3. The Infinitive Represented by its to

An infinitive can be represented by to alone to avoid repetition. This construction occurs when the to refers to a verb that has previously been used with to.

I shall go if I want to (go).

Did you get a ticket?

~ No, I tried to (get a ticket), but there weren’t any left.

4. Split Infinitives

A ‘split infinitive’ is a structure in which to and the rest of the infinitive are separated by an adverb.

He likes to half close his eyes.

He was too ill to really carry out his duty.

It used to be considered bad style, but there is now a more relaxed attitude to this. A lot of people avoid it if possible, placing the adverb before the to, or in end-position in the sentence. However, it is not always possible to construct sentences in other ways without changing the meaning:

Your job is to really make the club a success.

(Here really intensifies the meaning of make)

Your job is really to make the club a success.

(Here Your job is really means ‘The real purpose of your job…)

But it is safer to keep to the traditional order of words.

5. The Infinitive Used as a Connective Link

A. The infinitive is used after only to express a disappointing sequel:

He survived the crash only to die in the desert =

He survived the crash but died in the desert.

B. The infinitive can also be used as a connective link without only, and without any idea of misfortune:

He returned home to learn that his daughter had just become engaged.

But this use is mainly confined to such verbs as find, hear, learn, see, be told etc., as otherwise there might be confusion between an infinitive used connectively and an infinitive of purpose.

6. Functions of the infinitive

The infinitive may have different functions in the sentence:

1. The infinitive as subject of a sentence

2. The infinitive as complement of a verb

3. The infinitive as object of a verb

4. The infinitive as adverbial modifier

5. The infinitive as attribute

6. The infinitive as part of some special constructions

7. The Infinitive as Subject of a Sentence

In this function the infinitive is always used with to.

In older English, an infinitive subject could easily be put at the beginning of a sentence, like any other subject:

To know all about English is one thing;

to know English is quite another.

To err is human, to forgive divine.

In modern English, it is more common to begin the sentence with it (‘preparatory subject’), and to put the infinitive later.

It’s easy to make mistakes. (Instead of To make mistakes is easy.)

8. The Infinitive as Complement of a Verb

In this function the infinitive is used in combination with the link-verb to be and is generally preceded by to:

They are to be married soon.

To live like this is to enjoy life.

All we can do is stick to our decision.