* Infinitive: The base form of a verb, often preceded by "to" (e.g., "to run," "to eat," "to sleep").
* Object: A noun or pronoun that receives the action of a verb or preposition.
* Objective Infinitive: An infinitive that directly follows a verb or preposition and serves as its object.
Examples:
* Verb + Objective Infinitive:
* "She wants to go to the party." (The infinitive "to go" is the object of the verb "wants")
* "I decided to study harder." (The infinitive "to study" is the object of the verb "decided")
* Preposition + Objective Infinitive:
* "He was eager to learn more." (The infinitive "to learn" is the object of the preposition "eager")
* "They are prepared to face any challenge." (The infinitive "to face" is the object of the preposition "prepared")
Key Points:
* Objective infinitives are often used to express purpose, intention, or desire.
* They can be recognized by their position following a verb or preposition.
* They do not have a subject; they are the direct object of the verb or preposition.
Compare with a Subject Infinitive:
A subject infinitive acts as the subject of the sentence. For example:
* To travel is my passion. (The infinitive "to travel" is the subject of the sentence)
In summary:
An objective infinitive is a versatile grammatical structure that adds depth and nuance to your writing. Understanding its role allows you to use it effectively and express yourself with greater precision.