USE OF INFINITIVE

USE OF INFINITIVE

** Infinitives may be used like a noun.

1.     As the subject of a verb.

To find fault is easy.

To err is human.

2.     As the object of a transitive verb.

He likes to play cards.

I do not mean to eat.

3.     As the complement of a verb.

Her greatest pleasure is to sing.

His custom is to ride daily.

4.     As the object of a preposition.

 He has no choice but to obey.

 The race is about to begin.

5.     As an objective complement.

I saw him go. (Simple infinitive)

** The infinitive is also used –

1.     To qualify a verb, usually to express purpose.

We eat to live.                      

He called to see my brother.

2.     To qualify an adjective.

 Figs are good to eat.

 He is too ill to do any work.

3.     To qualify a noun.

This is not the time to play.

 Here is a house to let.

4.     To qualify a sentence.

To tell the truth, I quite forgot my promise.

ACTIVE

Present: to love

Perfect: to have loved

Present continuous: to be loving

Perfect continuous: to have been loving

PASSIVE

Present: to be loved

Perfect: to have been loved