Infinitives of Purpose
Learn how to use infinitives of purpose in English.
Can you answer these grammar questions correctly?
Infinitives of Purpose
Point 1: An infinitive of purpose describes the purpose of a noun.
Example: Why do we have or need something? The infinitive tells us.
Example: Why do we have or need something? The infinitive tells us.
- I have an old guitar to play at parties.
- I have lots of tools to do odd jobs.
- We need to save money to buy a new car.
- We have a dog to protect our house.
Point 2: Infinitives of purpose usually appear after a noun.
- I bought a car to get to work.
- I need a box to carry these upstairs.
- I have a thick jacket to wear on cold days.
- You need a key to open the door.
Point 3: In spoken English, "to" is often reduced to /tə/.
- I bought a car /tə/ get to work.
- I need a box /tə/ carry these.
- I have a thick jacket /tə/ wear on cold days.
- We need a key /tə/ open the door.
Point 4: There are some common idioms in English that use infinitives of purpose.
- It takes money to make money.
- Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on.
- He has money to burn.
- You don't have the guts to do it.
