Term
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Definition
| An infinitive is a form of a verb with to |
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Term
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Definition
Along with its use as a verb, the infinitive can serve also as a noun, an
adjective, or an adverb |
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Term
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Definition
The to is omitted, however, when the infinitive follows the prepositions
but and except. It’s also often omitted after such verbs as bid, dare, feel,
hear, let, make, need, and see. |
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Term
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Definition
The infinitive is often used as a noun. Like other nouns, it may serve
as a subject, an object, or a predicate noun. |
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Term
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Definition
An infinitive is used as an adjective when it modifies a noun or a
pronoun. |
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Term
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Definition
An infinitive serves as an adverb when it modifies an adjective, a
verb, or an adverb. |
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Term
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Definition
Formerly, careful speakers and writers observed the rule that to
should never be separated from the verb |
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Term
It’s now acceptable to split an infinitive if sound, emphasis, or meaning
justifies it. |
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Definition
However, we could improve many sentences containing split
infinitives if we placed the modifier elsewhere. |
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Term
As you know, the subject of a verb must be in the nominative case.
The only exception is this: A noun or pronoun that is the subject of an
infinitive must be in the objective case. Consider the following sentence: |
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Definition
If the subject of an infinitive must always be in the objective case, then
the object form of a pronoun (or a noun) must be used on both sides
of the infinitive to be. |
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