Verbs As Nouns — Infinitives

Lesson 40 (pp. 73–76) The infinitive phrase may be used as an adjective modifier or an adverb modifier.
1.The hot-house is a trap to catch sunbeams. Lesson 40 (p. 74)
Analysis.To indtroduces the phrase; catch is the principal word, and sunbeams completes it.
Exercises (Lesson 40: Verbs as nouns – infinitives) Diagram the following:
2.Richelieu’s title to command rested on sublime force of will and decision of character.
3.Many of the attempts to assassinate William the Silent were defeated.
4.We will strive to please you. Lesson 40 (p. 75)
Explanation.— The infinitive phrase is here used adverbially to modify the predicate.
5.Ingenious Art steps forth to fashion and refine the race.
6.These harmless delusions tend to make us happy. Lesson 40 (p. 76)
Explanation.Happy completes make and relates to us.
7.Wounds made by words are hard to heal. Lesson 40 (p. 76)
Explanation.— The infinitive phrase is here used adverbially to modify the adjective hard. To heal = to be healed.
8.The representative Yankee, selling his farm, wanders away to seek new lands, to clear new cornfields, to build another shingle palace, and again to sell off and wander.
9.These apples are not ripe enough to eat. Lesson 40 (p. 76)
Explanation.— The infinitive phrase is here used adverbially to modify the adverb enough. To eat = to be eaten.
Answers
The infinitive phrase may be used as subject or complement.
10.To be good is to be great. Lesson 40 (p. 75)
Explanation.To, in each of these phrases, shows no relation — it serves merely to introduce. The complements good and great are adjectives used abstractly, having no noun to relate to.
11.To bear our fate is to conquer it.
12.To be entirely just in our estimate of others is impossible.
13.The noblest vengeance is to forgive.
14.He seemed to be innocent. Lesson 40 (p. 76)
Explanation.— The infinitive phrase here performs the office of an adjective. To be innocent = innocent.
15.The blind men’s dogs appeared to know him.
16.We should learn to govern ourselves. Lesson 40 (p. 76)
Explanation.— The infinitive phrase is here used as an object complement.
17.Each hill attempts to ape her voice.
Answers