The Infinitive as The Subject
The Infinitive as The Subject :
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 subject….
1. To err is human.
2. To forgive is divine.
3. To make mistakes is easy.
4. It was impossible to explain.
5. To explain was impossible.
6. It was difficult to sell my car.
7. To sell my car was difficult.
8. To walk in the middle of the road is dangerous.
9. To wear this kind of skirt has become fashionable.
10. To telephone is quicker than to write.
11. To find fault is rather easy.
12. To be a king is worth ambition.
13. To be or not to be is the problem now for me.
The Infinitive as The Subject
The Grammar Index
