Other uses of Infinitives
Infinitives have other uses. They can be used as:
Subjects
- To walk on the beach is one of my favorite things to do.
- To own my own business is my long-term plan.
Using infinitives as subjects is rare in modern English. It is usually used in very formal or academic language.
Objects of prepositions
- There was nothing left but to go back home.
- The class is about to begin.
Subject complements
- His greatest pleasure in life is to make music.
- My goal in life is to retire by the time I’m 50 years old.
- Suzanne will be happy to help you.
Clauses of purpose
- We sat down to rest.
- I’ll open the window to let in some fresh air.
- She woke up early to have time to pack.
Other uses of “Ing” Forms - Gerunds
Gerunds are verbs that end in -ing and act as nouns. As we learned in Grammar 6-1 (ENGL120), they can be used as:
Subjects
- Waking up early everyday is not my favourite thing.
- Eating less meat greatly reduces your risk of heart attacks and cancer.
Objects of prepositions
- Instead of eating at home tonight, let's go out!
- The article was about living abroad.
- I’m tired of cooking everyday.
- I look forward to seeing you tomorrow.
Subject complements
- My favourite activity on a Sunday afternoon is sleeping.
- The thing that doctors worry most about increasing is vaping.