This document discusses infinitives and their uses in sentences. It notes that infinitives can function as subjects and objects, unlike gerunds which cannot be used as objects of prepositions. Common verbs that are followed by infinitives are discussed, including mental verbs like hope, plan, intend. Infinitives can express purpose, especially when using "to" or "in order to". Adjectives can also precede infinitives. Infinitives can be used with too and enough in sentences.

1. Infinitives
 Holly Cin
 Fall 2016
 ESOL 0352

2. Infinitives
 Like gerunds, infinitives also function as
nouns, which means…
1. Infinitives can be used as subjects.
2. Infinitives can be used as objects.
*However, unlike gerunds, infinitives cannot be used
as objects of prepositions.

3. Infinitives as subjects
To be successful requires hard work.
To work hard is important.
Not to miss the flight was my objective.
This language is quite formal.

4. Infinitives as subjects
More commonly, we use the following combination:
It+ BE + ADJ + (for s/o or s/t) +infinitive.
It is important to work hard.
It is important for you to understand what I said.

5. Infinitives as objects
 More commonly, infinitives are used as objects of the verb.
Most HCC students try to be successful.
I want to buy a new car.
Itzel asked her mother to send her a warm coat.
Hernan told Erika to wait for him at the store.
Dongmei doesn’t want to give birth before the final exam.

6. Common verbs followed by
infinitives (mental verbs)
 Hope
 Plan
 Intend
 Decide
 Promise
 Agree
 Offer
 Refuse
 Seem
 Appear
 Pretend
 Ask
 Expect
 Would like
 Want
 Need

7. Verb + Object + Infinitive
 Tell someone to
 Advise someone to
 Encourage someone to
 Remind someone to
 Invite someone to
 Permit someone to
 Allow someone to
 Warn someone to
 Require someone to
 Order someone to
 Force someone to
 Ask someone to
 Would like someone to
 Expect someone to
 Want someone to
 Need someone to

8. Common verbs followed by
either gerunds or infinitives
No difference in meaning:
 Start
 Begin
 Continue
 Like
 Love
 Prefer
 Hate
 Can’t stand

9. Infinitives of Purpose
 Infinitives of purpose answer the question “why” or “for
what reason?”
 Question: Why did Gustavo come to HCC?
 Answer: He came here to study English.
 We can also use “in order” before the infinitive to
express purpose.
 He came here in order to study English
 IMPORTANT: DO NOT USE “FOR” TO EXPRESS
PURPOSE!
 He came here for studying English. INCORRECT!

10. Adjectives followed by
infinitives
 Sorry
 Surprised
 Happy
 Glad
 Delighted
 Pleased
 Relieved
 Lucky
 Sad
 Eager
 Embarrassed
 Prepared
 Anxious
 Afraid
 Likely
 Surprised
 Astonished
 Shocked
 Reluctant
 Hesitant

11. Infinitives with TOO and
ENOUGH
 (not ) too + adj. + (for someone) + infinitive
 (not) enough + noun + (for someone) + infinitive
 (not) + adj. + enough + infinitive
 The class is not too difficult to pass.
 I don’t have enough money to buy a Porsche.
 The chair is not too heavy for me to lift.
 She’s not old enough to get married.