1. Nouns Related to Verbs (no wish to change) Some nouns which are related to verbs (e.g. wish, decide, need, etc.) can be |
followed by infinitives. |
Examples: I have no wish to switch sides. There's no need to inform grandma. I already expressed my decision to quit the training. |
2. Nouns Related to Adjectives (You were a fool to agree...) Some nouns which are related to adjectives or have adjectival sense can be |
followed by infinitives. |
Examples: It's a pleasure to meet you! I felt like a fool to believe her. It's an embarassment to loss the game. |
3. Purpose (a key to open the door) Nouns or indefinite pronouns used to explain the purpose of a particular thing |
(what it is for or what somebody uses it for) can also be followed by infinitives. |
As subject of the infinitives Examples: I'd like something to cure my cough. I forgot the key to open the drawer. It's a game to prove their skills. |
As object of the infinitives Examples: I need more space to work. We ran out of soup to serve. There's no more flour to bake the cake. |
4. Enough, Too Much, etc. Quantifiers (enough, too much, many, little, few, plenty, etc.) are usually followed |
by noun + infinitive. |
Examples: There's too much dirt to clean up. I have plenty of homework to do. We enough people to prepare for the event. |
5. Infinitive with Preposition (a friend to play with) Nouns can also be followed by infinitive + preposition. |
Examples: The dog needs a soft mat to lay on. I need a companion to travel with. Shiela is looking for an aparment to live in. |
6. Infinitives in Common Expressions (the life to come) In some common expressions, the infinitive has a future meaning and function like the relative clause "be." |
Examples: His wife to be... The life to come... The world to come... |