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06-Jun-2006, 06:36
| | Member | | Join Date: Aug 2005 Country: Denmark
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| |  Definite or indefinite form
Which would be the correct phrasing?:
The word “to” is both a conjunction and a sign of the infinitive; or
The word “to” is both a conjunction and a sign of an infinitive.
If anyone has a better option than either of these two, I'd really appreciate hearing it! (I am doubtful as to whether I replaced the wrong indefinite article with a definite one ) ...
Take care,
Bill |
06-Jun-2006, 06:45
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| | Re: Definite or indefinite form
Sorry - I discovered almost immediately after posting this question that I seemed to have used some incorrect terminology. It would seem the correct term is "infinitive particle".
I assume therefore that the proper phrasing would be "The word “to” is both a conjunction and infinitive particle".
Thanks,
Bill |
07-Jun-2006, 04:01
| | Editor, UsingEnglish.com | | Join Date: Nov 2002 Country: UK
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| | Re: Definite or indefinite form
People also use 'infinitive marker'. I would also add 'an/the' to balance the sentence. |
07-Jun-2006, 06:00
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| | Re: Definite or indefinite form
Thanks tdol. I'll make a note of that alternate term.
Take care,
Bill |
08-Jun-2006, 02:48
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| | Re: Definite or indefinite form
Some people are not happy with the term 'particle', which they think is ill-defined, which is, I suppose, the reason for the alternative. |
08-Jun-2006, 13:16
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| | Re: Definite or indefinite form
Thanks again, tdol. I have to admit, I never would have guessed this to be a particle, so for future reference I'll make sure I have both terms logged.
Rgs,
Bill |
08-Jun-2006, 14:28
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| | Re: Definite or indefinite form
Bill, to functions as both a preposition and an infinitive marker, and, according to my Pocket Oxford, as an adverb in "so as to" (?).  |
10-Jun-2006, 13:08
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| | Re: Definite or indefinite form
Truly amazing - I completely overlooked that final possibility.
Thanks for the tip.
Bill | | Thread Tools | | | | Display Modes |  Linear Mode | 
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