6.3.2.1. Infinitive Clauses
6.3.2.1. Infinitive Clauses
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1. What are infinite clauses?
An infinitive clause is a dependent clause (DC) with an infinitive verb as its main verb.
An infinitive verb = (to) + V base form
Look at the examples below:
1). The project is part of a massive plan {to complete the section of the road}.
to-infinitive clause: NCC
The infinitive clause clarifies the antecedent noun 'plan'; therefore, it functions as a complement clause.
2). I always try {to see events from various perspectives}.
to-infinitive clause: VCC/DO/Nominal
The infinitive clause completes the meaning of the antecedent monotransitive verb 'try'; therefore, it functions as its DO.
3). {To verify our conclusion that the organic material is arranged as a coating around the silica shell components}, thin sections of fixed cells were also examined.
to-infinitive clause: Adverbial (of reason)
The infinitive clause clarifies the purpose of the action denoted by the main clause; therefore, it functions as an adverbial.
2. Three types of non-finite clauses:
infinitive clauses
to infinitive
bare infinitive
present participle clauses
past participle clauses
3. What grammatical functions do infinitive clauses perform?
{To be or not to be} is the question.
{To ride without a helmet} is dangerous.
2. I always try {to see events from various perspectives}.
She wants {to sky in Australia during the holidays}.
3. The next step is {to find investors}.
His devoutest wish is {to climb Mt. Everest}.
4. They are eager for him {to win}.
Mini always considered him {to be her best friend}.
5. They are eager {to win}.
World War I was a war {to end all wars}.
6. I called my best friend {to tell him the news}.
{To do well in school}, you must study hard.
7. This is a good place {to begin the race}.
It is a pleasure {to meet you}.
Functions：
Subject
Object
Subject complement
Object complement
Adjective complement
Adverbial
Adjectival (relative clause)
4. What are bare infinitives?
4. What are bare infinitives?
Examples:
1a) I should do my English homework.
1b) You can play the tambourine.
2a) I felt it move!
2b) I let the dog finish my food.
2c) Did you watch him leave the package on the doorstep?
2d) I'll watch you perform a magic trick.
3) The teacher made his sit in the corner.
The bare infinitive is used as the main verb after the auxiliary verb ‘do’, and most modal auxiliary verbs ‘should, can, will", etc.
The bare infinitive is also used after common verbs of perception with a direct object (watch, hear, feel), and common verbs of permission or causation (make, have, let). e.g.,
watch sb. do sth.
make sb. do sth.
4. Why are infinitive clauses necessary?
Compare the two sentences below:
4a) Kay hoped {that she would arrive before midnight}.
4b) Kay hoped {to arrive before midnight}.
5a) I expect {that all the calamari will be eaten before 7pm}.
5b) I expect all the calamari {to be eaten before 7pm}.
VP: passive voice
Analysis:
4a) and 5a) are complex sentences that contain a finite dependent clause.
4b) and 5b) are complex sentences that contain a nonfinite infinitive clause.
Both express nearly the same meaning, but 4b) and 5b) are shorter and more concise.
4a) and 5a) are more common in spoken English while 4b) and 5b) in written English.
5. How to diagram a complex sentence with a dependent infinitive clause?
PRACTICE:
PRACTICE:
Textbook Ex 12.5 (p. 374); p. 375 (infinitive clauses vs. PP) (optional)
Below is an excerpt of a blog post from the website of Scientific America titled "The 1,000 Caves of Mars". Can you find where the author used infinitive verbs?
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