The Infinitive as
The Object of
A Preposition
The Infinitive as The Object of A Preposition :
It may be noted that the Infinitive works as a noun and at the same time functions as a verb. It serves as subject and object like a noun. It takes an object on its stride like a verb and also gets modified by an adverb. The Infinitive is a kind of noun with certain features of the verb, especially that of taking an object (when the verb is transitive) and adverbial qualifiers. In short the Infinitive can be termed as verb-noun.
The word TO is frequently used with the Infinitive, but is not an essential part or sign of it. The Infinitive is capable of surviving often without TO. The Infinitive verb has many different uses.
The infinitive with TO as the object of a preposition….
1. The Government had no choice, but to accede to my demand.
2. She had no other alternative, but to obey.
3. The Parliament is about to transact business.
but & about - prepositions
to accede, to obey and to transact - infinitives – objects of the preposition
The main verb + the object + the infinitive with TO….
1. The secretary expects everyone on his staff to be punctual.
2. She didn't want me to come with her.
3. I didn't want you to put the file there.
4. You mustn't encourage them to do mischief.
Objects : staff, me, you, and them.
Infinitives : to be, to come, to put and to do.
The Infinitive as The Object of A Preposition
The Grammar Index
