[Grammar] how to recognize infinitive as adjective

[satya_sson33]

:?: They buy shirt to wear.
They use pen to write.
In this sentences, infinitive as adjective if yes, plz explain me how to identify infinitive as adjective and how to recognize infinitive as adverb.

 

[TheParser]

:?: They buy shirt to wear.
They use pen to write.
In this sentences, infinitive as adjective if yes, plz explain me how to identify infinitive as adjective and how to recognize infinitive as adverb.

***NOT A TEACHER***

Good morning, satya.

(1) I think that the infinitives in your two sentences are adverbial.

(a) They answer the question WHY?

(i) Why do they buy a shirt? (In order) to wear it.
(ii) Why do they use a pen? (In order) to write.


(2) If an infinitive is adjectival, it often answers the question WHAT?

(i) I have a job to do. What do I have? A job to do.
(ii) A policy to meet this emergency is needed. What is needed? A policy to meet this emergency.
(iii) I have nothing to say. What do you have? Nothing to say.


(3) I know that it is sometimes difficult to know whether a noun + infinitive is adverbial or adjectival.

(a) I need a car to drive to the mountains. Why do I need a car? (In order)to drive to the mountains./ Because I want to drive to the mountains. So I think we can call the infinitive clause adverbial.

(b) A car to drive to the mountains needs to be powerful. What needs to be powerful? A car to drive to the mountains. So I think that we can say that "to drive to the mountains" modifies "car." Thus it is adjectival.

Anytime you have a question, just post it here. This website's excellent teachers are eager to advise you. Have a nice day!

 

[corum]

:?: They buy shirt to wear.
They use pen to write.
In this sentences, infinitive as adjective if yes, plz explain me how to identify infinitive as adjective and how to recognize infinitive as adverb.

They buy [shirt to wear] -- What do we do other than wear a shirt? The adjectival postmodification of 'shirt' holds no appeal to me.

They buy shirts [to wear] -- adverbial, purpose

Same story vis a vis #2. Meaning analysis helps you decide which side you should come down off the fence.

 

[corum]

Re: infinitive as adverb or adjective ?

As far as I can remember, your question has been answered a dozen times in the not too distant past, i.e., yesterday. What more do you expect from us?

 

[corum]

Re: infinitive as adverb or adjective ?

sir i have confusion so i am asking it many times.so plz sir never mind actually sir
i am unable to recognize infinitive as adjective or adverb .

i bring [a mango [to eat]] -- Is that grouping feasible? A mango that is for eating.
I bring [something]. -- adjectival

or

i bring [a mango] [to eat (it/something)].
I bring this why. -- adverbial

 

[euncu]

Re: infinitive as adverb or adjective ?

sir i have confusion so i am asking it many times.

If you have a continuing confusion, just stick to the previous post of yours. Don't start a new thread.

 

[corum]

Re: infinitive as adverb or adjective ?

In my quest to better my knowledge in grammar, I often wait until the dust settles before coming at the problem again. The waiting period often takes as long as several months. Patience works a miracle.

 

[Barb_D]

(I have merged the threads.)