1. Subject of the Verb:
* To learn is important. (The infinitive "to learn" is the subject of the verb "is")
2. Direct Object:
* I like to read. (The infinitive "to read" is the direct object of the verb "like")
3. Object of a Preposition:
* She is eager to start. (The infinitive "to start" is the object of the preposition "to")
4. Appositive:
* My goal, to graduate, is within reach. (The infinitive "to graduate" is an appositive, providing more information about the noun "goal")
5. Predicate Nominative:
* My favorite hobby is to paint. (The infinitive "to paint" acts as a predicate nominative, renaming the subject "hobby")
Key Points:
* Infinitives often express the purpose, action, or state of being.
* They can be used to avoid repetition or to create a more concise and formal tone.
* Like nouns, they can be modified by adjectives or adverbs.
Example:
* The challenge is to climb the mountain. (Noun phrase)
* To climb the mountain is the challenge. (Infinitive as noun substitute)