How do I identify if an infinitive phrase is a noun, adjective, or adverb?

Question

Some examples:

1. That is the best cream to use for that rash.
2. I prefer to sit on the sofa without the plastic cover.
3. I love to give flowers as a surprise gift.
4. It has been my pleasure to subscribe to that magazine for years.
5. I have not been able to attend a concert in a long time.
6. I like to watch British sitcoms and dramas on WETA.
7. That recipe says to stir the mixture constantly over a low heat.
8. I am willing to forgive you - this time.
9. Linda says she is going to apply to Ivy League colleges.
10. I refuse to accept a position that is beneath me.

Answer 1

There is an easy way to identify if an infinitive verb is a noun, adjective, or adverb. You can do so by looking at the function of the infinitive verb phrase.

If it modifies or describes a noun or a pronoun, definitely it is acting as an adjective.

Example: I am teaching her a way to improve her writing. (The bolded word is a noun)

I need her to do the cooking.

If it is modifying a verb, it is a verb phrase.

example: He helped to do the cleaning.

Again, if it is answering the question 'Why', it is most likely an adverb phrase.

Example: I came here to see my niece.

If the infinitive is acting like a subject, ojcect, comlement as any other noun would do, it is a noun phrase.

Example: To eat ice cream in a hot day is fun. (Acting as subject)

She loves to dance Salsa. (Acting as object)

His aim was to become a doctor. (Acting as complement)

Hope it helps. Feel free to add a comment or question.

Thanks

Jonali

Answer 2

You can find out what an infinitive phrase is by finding out which word it is modifying (if any) and what part of speech that word is. For example, in the first sentence's infinitive phrase, "to use," modifies "best," which is an adjective in this case. Therefore, the phrase is an adverb because adverbs are the only part of speech that can modify adjectives. In the fourth sentence, the phrase modifies the noun "pleasure" and is thus an adjective. If the phrase isn't modifying anything and is instead a subject or a direct object, then it is a noun. The second, third, and sixth example sentences involve infinitive phrases as direct objects.

Answer 3

An infinitive phrase is a phrase that consists of an infinitive verb and modifiers or complements. To identify an infinitive phrase as a noun, adjective, or adverb, it helps to look at what the phrase is saying after the verb.

9.) Linda says she is going to apply to Ivy League Colleges.

"To apply to Ivy League Colleges" is a verb