Infinitives

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Infinitives are defined as to + base form of the verb. They have several functions.

1. Used as subjects and subject complements.

To know me is to love me.

To live in Hawaii is my lifetime dream.

2. Used as objects following certain verbs*.

I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your gift.

He hesitated to ask the embarrassing question.

3. Used as a shortened form of in order to.

You must take this medicine (in order) to get well.

I went to the bank to cash a check.

Infinitives can sometimes take objects of their own.

We hope to find the person who did this.

I was asked to make a dessert for the potluck dinner.

*These verbs are commonly followed by infinitives.

afford beg decide forget intend mean prepare seem threaten

agree begin demand go know how need pretend start try

appear care deserve happen learn neglect promise stop volunteer

arrange choose desire hate like offer refuse struggle wait

ask claim expect hesitate love plan regret swear want

attempt consent fail hope manage prefer remember tend wish

See also:

Grammar: Gerunds

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