infinitival
/in,fini'taivəl/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective: 1. Relating to or formed with the infinitive: Pertaining to the grammatical form of a verb that is not limited by person or number, typically preceded by "to" in English (e.g., to go, to see). It describes a word, phrase, or clause that functions as or contains an infinitive.
Usage
The word "infinitival" is a specialized grammatical term. It is used to describe linguistic elements that are connected to the infinitive form of a verb. - It can modify nouns, such as "clause," "phrase," or "construction." - It is primarily used in academic, linguistic, or formal descriptive contexts.
Examples
- Adjective:
- The sentence contains an infinitival clause acting as the direct object.
- In the phrase "to leave quietly," the word "to leave" is an infinitival verb phrase.
- Linguists analyze the infinitival marker "to" in English grammar.
Advanced Usage
- Infinitival Complement: A grammatical structure where an infinitive phrase completes the meaning of a verb.
- Example: In "She wants to succeed," the phrase "to succeed" is an infinitival complement.
- Infinitival Relative Clause: A relative clause that uses an infinitive verb, often implying purpose or necessity.
- Example: "She brought a book to read on the train."
Variants and Related Words
- Infinitive (n): The base form of the verb, often with "to," that is the subject of the adjective "infinitival."
- Example: The word "to run" is an infinitive.
- Infinitivally (adv): In a manner relating to an infinitive. (This form is rare but grammatically possible.)
- Example: The verb is used infinitivally in that construction.
Synonyms
- Non-finite: Describing a verb form (like the infinitive, participle, or gerund) that is not marked for tense, person, or number.
- Uninflected: (In a general linguistic sense) Not changing form to show tense, person, etc.
Adjective
- relating to or formed with the infinitive
- infinitival clause