The infinitive can be used as a noun. As a noun it can be the subject or object of the verb.
- To find fault is easy. (Here the infinitive ‘to find’ is the subject of the verb is.)
- To err is human. (Here the infinitive ‘to err’ is the subject of the verb is.)
- He likes to play cards. (Here the infinitive ‘to play’ serves as the object of the verb likes.)
- I don’t want to go. (Here the infinitive ‘to go’ serves as the object of the verb want.)
The infinitive can also be the complement of a verb.
- Her greatest pleasure is to sing. (Here the infinitive ‘to sing’ is the complement of the verb is.)
The infinitive can also be the object of a preposition.
- The speaker is about to begin. (Here the infinitive ‘to begin’ is the object of the preposition about.)
The infinitive can also be used to qualify a verb.
- He called to see my brother.
- We eat to live.
- I came to bury Caesar.
The infinitive can be used to qualify an adjective.
- Figs are good to eat.
- The boys are anxious to learn.
- He is too ill to do any work.
The infinitive can be used to qualify a noun.
- This is not the time to play.
- Here is a house to let.
The infinitive can be used to qualify a sentence.
- To tell the truth, I don’t have any interest in politics.