When we think of verbs, we often imagine action words—running, writing, talking. But did you know verbs can also function as nouns?

One common way this happens is through the use of the infinitive. In this blog post, we’ll explore how infinitives can act as nouns and how understanding this concept can improve your writing.

What is an Infinitive?

Let’s do a quick refresh on infinitives. An infinitive is the most basic form of a verb, usually combined with the word ‘to.’ Some examples are:

Examples:

♦ to run
♦ to write
♦ to learn

The Infinitive as a Noun

When we use the infinitive as a noun, it performs the same job as any other noun.

As the Subject

In these examples, the infinitive is what the sentence is about.

Examples:

♦ To read is enjoyable.
♦ To descend was incredibly challenging.
♦ To secure a seat was impossible.
♦ To sing well requires practice.
♦ To study is important.

In these sentences, the bold words act as the subject

As the Subject Complement

The infinitive can also explain more about the subject.

Examples:

♦ His dream is to become a writer.
♦ His greatest joy was to travel.
♦ The governor’s strategy is to wait.
♦ I hope to see you immediately.
♦ Her goal is to finish the race.

In these examples, the bold words complement the subject.

Both the subject and subject complement roles can be fulfilled by infinitives simultaneously.

♦ Example: To decide was to act.

Related Reading: Exploring Adverbs: Types, Examples, and Uses 

The Object of the Verb

Sometimes the infinitive acts as the object of the verb.

♦ Example: She wants to travel.
♦ Example: They hope to win.

Here, to travel, to win is the object. It’s what she/they want to do.

The Object of a Preposition

The infinitive can also function as the object of certain prepositions like but, except, and about.

Examples:

♦ There was nothing to do but walk (or but to walk).
♦ He will do anything except resign (or except to resign).
♦ We are about to object (an idiomatic expression indicating something will happen soon).
♦ The train is about to start.

Appositives

As appositives, infinitives clarify or rename the subject or object:

Examples:

♦ Both choices, to advance and to retreat, appeared equally risky. (Appositive with the subject)
♦ My initial plan, to tunnel under the wall, was unsuccessful.
♦ He had a single goal in life, to succeed. (Appositive with the object)

Infinitives can also act as appositives following a purpose:

♦ Example: I wrote with a specific aim, to dissuade you.
♦ Example: I offer you three options: to buy, to lease, or to build.

Expletives

It’s common to see an infinitive right after the word ‘it’.

Examples:

♦ It was a pleasure to see him (rather than saying To see him was a pleasure).
♦ It is easy to understand you.
♦ It will be impossible to forget.
♦ It proved very difficult to find evidence against him.

In these cases, while the infinitive is grammatically in apposition to it, the infinitive actually functions as the ‘true’ subject of the sentence in terms of meaning or intent.

Infinitives vs. Gerunds

You might wonder how an infinitive is different from a gerund, which is another way verbs can act as nouns. A gerund is the -ing form of a verb, like running or writing. Both infinitives and gerunds can act as nouns, but they can sometimes give sentences a different feel.

Compare these two sentences:

♥ To run is fun. (Infinitive)
♥ Running is fun. (Gerund)

Both are correct, but to run sounds a little more formal, while running feels a bit more casual. You can choose one based on the tone of your writing.

Related Reading: Unlocking the Power of Nouns in Writing

Key Takeaways

1. Recognize the Structure: The infinitive as a noun is always ‘to’ + the base form of a verb. form of a verb.
2. Use Infinitives as Subjects: Infinitives can function as the subject of a sentence.
3. Place Infinitives Before the Verb for Clarity: When using an infinitive as the subject, placing it at the start of the sentence makes it clear.
4. Infinitives as Predicate Nominatives: Infinitives can act as the predicate nominative following a linking verb.
5. Balance Infinitives as Objects: Infinitives work well as objects of certain verbs.

6. Infinitives After Certain Prepositions: Infinitives can follow prepositions like but, except, or about.
7. Infinitive for Expressing Purpose: Infinitives are excellent for expressing purpose or goals.
8. Use Infinitives to Condense Ideas: Infinitives help shorten complex ideas.
9. Infinitive Appositives Add Detail: Use infinitives in apposition to clarify or rename a noun.
10. Infinitives Can Be Abstract Concepts: Infinitives often express abstract ideas like to love, to succeed, to believe.

Last Words on Using Infinitives as a Noun

Whether you’re using infinitives them as subjects, objects, or complements, they can help your sentences flow and sound more dynamic.

Happy writing!

Linda

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