Infinitives
Key Points |
Infinitive refers to "to + base verb". For example, “to find‘, “to understand”,.. etc. The functions of the infinitive are as follows:
(1) Acting as a subject
(2) Acting as a subject complement (3) Acting as an object complement
(4) Acting as an object
(5) Acting as an adjective (6) Acting as an adverb
(7) Forming a phrase "be verb + adjective + infinitive" |
▶️ Acting as subjects
To host a clearance sale is a common way for a retailer to sell off stock that is out of season.
To find a niche in the market is crucial for small businesses to survive.
To conduct a market survey will help you find out what customers want.
It is necessary to follow the security procedures.
It is quite urgent to fill vacant positions immediately as we are extremely understaffed.
(The above two sentences use “it” as the dummy subject.)
For more information, please refer to Lesson 6.
▶️ Acting as subject complements
The number one priority for us now is to cut down operation costs.
Our short-term aim is to deal with our current financial difficulties, but our long-term aim is to improve the company's profitability.
This photocopier appears to be broken.
The product seems to be a good value for the price according to customer reviews.
For more information, please refer to Lesson 6.
▶️ Acting as object complements
Most hotels request hotel guests to vacate their rooms by noon.
The HR manager encourages new employees to actively participate in the weekly training workshop.
The security system will not permit you to enter the entrance without the correct password.
The accounting department manager reminds us to claim reimbursement for travel expenses by the end of this week.
For more information, please refer to Lesson 6.
▶️ Acting as objects
Despite the low pricing policy, the company's competitor has failed to boost sales.
A dramatic sales slump can take a heavy toll on any business, and few businesses manage to recover from it.
The company got into debt and tried to downsize, but eventually, it still went bankrupt.
Most brands these days aim to create a lucrative niche for themselves and stand out from their competitors.
We were extremely understaffed last week. Luckily, Mike and Kelvin offered to work overtime.
Activision Blizzard agreed to accept the acquisition deal offered by Microsoft.
Although the workers fought to be granted better conditions, their employers decided to drastically cut their pay.
Here is a list of common verbs that are often followed by an infinitive:
Mood verbs:
like to, love to, hate to, prefer to
Start/stop verbs:
begin to, start to, continue to, stop to, go on to
"Want" verbs:
want to, need to, wish/hope to, expect to, would like to Planning verbs:
plan to, aim to, decide to, intend to
Suggesting verbs:
offer to, ask to, promise to
Agree/disagree verbs:
agree to, refuse to
Choice verbs:
prefer to, tend to, choose to
"Try" verbs:
try to, attempt to
Others:
afford to buy/pay, manage to, fail to |
For more information, please refer to Lesson 6.
▶️ Acting as adjectives
When an infinitive is used as an "adjective", it is written after the noun to be modified. This way of writing is called "post modification".
He has a chance to get a promotion.
👉 “to get a promotion” is used as an adjective to modify chance.
Mr. Wilson has some news to announce.
I am not in a position to answer that question.
I have a lot of things to do, so I need to make a to-do list and prioritize my tasks.
There isn't enough snow to ski on.
There's too much sugar to put in this bowl.
Jason has the ability to multitask. This allows him to effectively juggle multiple projects at the same time.
You have the right to ask for relocation pay since you are forced to relocate to an overseas branch office.
▶️ Acting as adverbs
Infinitives can function as adverbs to modify verbs or entire sentences, expressing "purpose". This is essentially the same as saying "in order to".
I want to travel abroad to experience difficult cultures.
Emily has gone to see her sister this weekend.
To earn more money, he works both morning and night shifts.
To be healthy, she exercises 30 minutes every day.
We need to hold clearance sales to clear out our summer stock.
A man came to read the electric meter.
"Too... to" is a common phrase in English used to express that something is at such a degree that it is not possible to do something else. It essentially means "so much that not". For example, in the sentence "The box is too heavy to lift", it means that the box is so heavy that it is not possible to lift it. Here are more examples:
She was too tired to work.
The water is too cold to swim in.
The book was too long for me to finish in one sitting.
The exam was too tricky for me to ace it, but I did the best I could and learned from my mistakes.
▶️ "Be verb + adjective + infinitive"
A very common sentence structure is "Be verb + adjective + infinitive". This type of adjective is usually used to express feelings, reactions, or attitudes. Here are some examples:
We believe our team should be able to complete the research project before the deadline.
I'm about to eat. Can I call you back?
If you're willing to fly at night, you can probably get a cheap ticket.
I'm afraid I am not available to cover your shift next week. You will have to find someone else to take your shift.
The editor is ready to submit the revised article.
I am delighted to introduce our new branch manager.
We are pleased to notify you that your application for our accounting position has been approved.
After a year of restrictions and quarantines, people were anxious to get out and enjoy traveling.
People who maintain a positive attitude and outlook on life are more likely to attract success and happiness.
For more information, please refer to Lesson 6.
TOEIC Example: It is vital ______ regular updates to all of our existing software programs to ensure good work productivity.
(A) to distribute
(B) to be distributed
(C) distributes
(D) distribution
TOEIC Example: The proper way ______ a new product is to conduct careful and thorough market research.
(A) launched
(B) in which launch
(C) to launch
(D) launching
The correct answer is (C) to launch.
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TOEIC Example: The CEO has decided to hire a reputable business consulting firm ______ a deeper understanding of current market trends and customer needs.
(A) to gaining
(B) in order to be gained
(C) gaining
(D) to gain
The correct answer is (D) to gain.
The grammar rule applied in this context is that we use the infinitive form 'to' + verb when we want to specify the purpose or intention of an action. In this sentence, 'to gain' is used to signify the purpose of hiring a business consulting firm which is to acquire a deeper understanding of market trends and customer needs.
(A) “to gaining” is incorrect because the 'to' infinitive should be followed by a base verb (gain), not a gerund (gaining). (B) “in order to be gained” is wrong in this context because it suggests that the understanding will be gained by itself or passively. It does not effectively communicate that the CEO is actively seeking the understanding through hiring a firm.
(C) “gaining” is incorrect because it does not indicate a purpose or intention. 'Gaining' by itself implies that the understanding is already being acquired, which doesn't fit the context of the sentence. |
TOEIC Example: ______ customers are satisfied with the store's service, customer representatives are trained bi-weekly.
(A) Ensuring
(B) To ensuring
(C) Ensured
(D) To ensure