infinitivepredicative

Infinitive predicative, often called a predicative infinitive, is a non-finite infinitival clause that serves as the predicative complement of a subject or noun phrase. In this use, the infinitive clause conveys the value or identity attributed to the subject by the copular verb or by a noun describing the subject’s role, aim, obligation, or future action.

Common patterns include:

- Be + to-infinitive as a plan or obligation: The project is to be completed by December.

- Noun or pronoun followed by be + to-infinitive: Her task is to finish the report tonight; The plan is to start early.

- Predicative infinitive after verbs of appearance, necessity, or judgment: The issue remains to be decided; The goal proved to be to influence policy.

The to-infinitive forms the core of the predicative clause, while the main clause provides the linking element (often a form of be, such as is, remains, seems) or a noun that assigns a role, obligation, or outcome to the subject. This construction is typically non-finite, meaning it does not have its own subject outside the infinitive and does not show tense in the same way as a finite clause. It is distinct from infinitival clauses that function as adverbials or modifiers (for example, indicating purpose) and from subject or object infinitival clauses that do not function predicatively.

Cross-linguistically, languages frequently employ predicative infinitives with similar functions, though the specific syntax and use can vary. In English, the predicative infinitive is a common way to express planned actions, responsibilities, and identity clauses, contributing to concise expressions of future orientation and obligation.