infinitives

To sneeze, to smash, to cry, to shriek, to jump, to dunk, to read, to eat. All of these are infinitives. An infinitive will almost always begin with to followed by the simple form of the verb.

FUNCTIONS OF THE INFINITIVE

The to-infinitive is used in many sentence constructions, often expressing the purpose of something or someone's opinion about something. The to-infinitive is used following a large collection of different verbs as well.

THE TO-INFINITIVE TO INDICATE THE PURPOSE OR INTENTION OF AN ACTION

In this case to has the same meaning as in order to or so as to.

EXAMPLES

• She came to collect her pay cheque.

• The three bears went to find firewood.

• I am calling to ask you about dad.

• You sister has gone to finish her homework.

THE TO-INFINITIVE AS THE SUBJECT OF THE SENTENCE

This is a formal usage and is far more common in written English than spoken.

EXAMPLES

• The children need a garden to play in.
• I would like a sandwich to eat.
• I don't have anything to wear.
• Would you like something to drink?

 THE TO-INFINITIVE AFTER ADJECTIVES

There is a common pattern using the to-infinitive with an adjective. These phrases are formed:
subject + to be + adjective + (for/of someone) + to-infinitive + (rest of sentence)

EXAMPLES:

• it is good of you to talk with me.
• it is important to jake to be patient with his sister.

THE TO-INFINITIVE WITH ADVERBS 

The to-infinitive is used frequently with the adverbs too and enough to express the reasoning behind our satisfaction or insatisfaction. The pattern is that too and enough are placed before or after the adjective, adverb, or noun that they modify in the same way they would be without the to-infinitive. We then follow them by the to-infinitive to explain the reason why the quantity is excessive, sufficient, or insufficient. Normally the to-infinitive and everything that follows can be removed, leaving a sentence that still functions grammatically.

EXAMPLES

• There's too much sugar to put in this bowl.
• I had too many books to carry.
• This soup is too hot to eat.
• She was too tired to work.
• He arrived too late to see the actors.

Short answers to questions with infinitives

short answers in response to questions with infinitives can contain the main verb + to.

EXAMPLE:

Do you plan to take a vacation soon? yes, I plan to / no, I don't expect to.

If you begina short answer with an infinitive, to is omitted.

EXAMPLE:

What do you want to do later? take a walk

when you join two or more infinitives with and or or, to appears only with the first infinitive.

EXAMPLE:

Do you want to eat out or make dinner at home?