2. Infinitives
Like gerunds, infinitives also function as
nouns, which means…
1. Infinitives can be used as subjects.
2. Infinitives can be used as objects.
*However, unlike gerunds, infinitives cannot be used
as objects of prepositions.
3. Infinitives as subjects
To be successful requires hard work.
To work hard is important.
Not to miss the flight was my objective.
This language is quite formal.
4. Infinitives as subjects
More commonly, we use the following combination:
It+ BE + ADJ + (for s/o or s/t) +infinitive.
It is important to work hard.
It is important for you to understand what I said.
5. Infinitives as objects
More commonly, infinitives are used as objects of the verb.
Most HCC students try to be successful.
I want to buy a new car.
Itzel asked her mother to send her a warm coat.
Hernan told Erika to wait for him at the store.
Dongmei doesn’t want to give birth before the final exam.
6. Common verbs followed by
infinitives (mental verbs)
Hope
Plan
Intend
Decide
Promise
Agree
Offer
Refuse
Seem
Appear
Pretend
Ask
Expect
Would like
Want
Need
7. Verb + Object + Infinitive
Tell someone to
Advise someone to
Encourage someone to
Remind someone to
Invite someone to
Permit someone to
Allow someone to
Warn someone to
Require someone to
Order someone to
Force someone to
Ask someone to
Would like someone to
Expect someone to
Want someone to
Need someone to
8. Common verbs followed by
either gerunds or infinitives
No difference in meaning:
Start
Begin
Continue
Like
Love
Prefer
Hate
Can’t stand
9. Infinitives of Purpose
Infinitives of purpose answer the question “why” or “for
what reason?”
Question: Why did Gustavo come to HCC?
Answer: He came here to study English.
We can also use “in order” before the infinitive to
express purpose.
He came here in order to study English
IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE “FOR” TO EXPRESS
PURPOSE!
He came here for studying English. INCORRECT!
11. Infinitives with TOO and
ENOUGH
(not ) too + adj. + (for someone) + infinitive
(not) enough + noun + (for someone) + infinitive
(not) + adj. + enough + infinitive
The class is not too difficult to pass.
I don’t have enough money to buy a Porsche.
The chair is not too heavy for me to lift.
She’s not old enough to get married.