To-infinitive

Definition

The to-infinitive is the base form of a verb preceded by 'to,' used to express actions, intentions, or purposes. It plays a crucial role in linking propositional attitude verbs with the content of what is believed, desired, or intended by a subject, helping to indicate the subject's perspective and mental state regarding a situation.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The to-infinitive can serve as the subject or object of a verb, allowing it to convey different nuances depending on its position in a sentence.
2. In the context of propositional attitude verbs, the to-infinitive can express desires or intentions, as in 'She wants to eat.'
3. It can also function as a complement to other verbs, linking them with what the subject believes or wishes for, providing clarity on their mental state.
4. The to-infinitive can indicate purpose when used with verbs like 'go' or 'learn,' highlighting an intention behind an action.
5. When used after certain verbs, the meaning of the sentence can change dramatically based on whether the to-infinitive is present or not.

Review Questions

• How does the to-infinitive function within sentences that contain propositional attitude verbs?
  • The to-infinitive functions by connecting propositional attitude verbs with the specific intentions or beliefs held by the subject. For example, in a sentence like 'He hopes to succeed,' the to-infinitive 'to succeed' provides insight into what the subject is aiming for. This connection highlights the mental state of the subject and clarifies their desires or beliefs about future actions.
• Discuss how the meaning of a sentence changes when substituting the to-infinitive with other forms like gerunds.
  • When substituting a to-infinitive with a gerund form (e.g., changing 'to run' to 'running'), it can shift the meaning and focus of a sentence. For instance, 'I enjoy running' emphasizes enjoyment in the action itself, whereas 'I want to run' expresses a desire towards the action. This distinction impacts how we understand the speaker's mental state and intention, showcasing different aspects of their propositional attitudes.
• Evaluate how understanding the use of to-infinitives enhances our comprehension of complex sentences involving multiple propositional attitudes.
  • Understanding to-infinitives allows us to dissect complex sentences that involve multiple propositional attitudes more effectively. For example, in 'She believes him to be trustworthy,' recognizing that 'to be trustworthy' is tied to her belief provides clarity on her perception of him. This comprehension helps us navigate sentences where various perspectives are expressed and shows how each part interacts within the broader meaning.

Related terms

Propositional Attitude Verbs: Verbs that describe a speaker's mental state or attitude towards a proposition, such as 'believe,' 'want,' and 'hope.'

Complement Clause: A clause that functions as a complement to a verb, often providing additional information about what the subject thinks or feels.

Semantic Roles: The roles that participants play in the context of a proposition, such as the agent, theme, or experiencer, which help in understanding the meaning of sentences.