infinitivfrase

Infinitivfrase is a non-finite clause built around the infinitive form of a verb. It does not carry tense and typically has no explicit subject, though it can include its own objects or modifiers. As a unit, an infinitivfrase can function like a noun, an adjective, or an adverb in a sentence.

Common functions include: as the subject of a sentence (To know is to understand), as the object of a verb (She hopes to visit), or as an adverbial phrase indicating purpose or reason (He paused to think). It can also modify a noun, as in "a book to read before bed."

Formation and variation: In English, a to-infinitive (to + base form) forms most infinitivfrases; some verbs take the bare infinitive after modals (can or must) or certain phrasal verbs (let him go). In other languages the infinitive may be marked by particles or may appear without a marker. Infinitivfrases can be simple (to travel) or expanded with objects, complements, or modifiers (to read a long article in the library). The subject of the infinitive is sometimes implied or controlled by the main clause.

See also: Infinitive, Non-finite clause, To-infinitive.