Infinitives

Infinitives are defined as   to + base form of the verb.  They have several functions. 1. Used as subjects* and subject complements.  To know me is to love me.  To live in Hawaii is my lifetime dream. *In older English; In modern English, this (an infinitive as the subject is unusual in an informal style.)  2. Used as objects following certain verbs.* I wanted to tell you how much I appreciated your gift. He hesitated to ask the embarrassing question.  *The negative is not to: We decided not to go out because of the weather. 3. Used as a shortened form of in order to. You must take this medicine (in order) to get well. I went to the bank to cash a check. Infinitives can sometimes take objects of their own. We hope to find the person who did this. I was asked to make a dessert for the potluck dinner. *These verbs are commonly followed by infinitives. afford  beg decide forget intend mean prepare  seem threaten agree begin demand go know how need pretend start try   appear care  deserve happen learn neglect promise   stop volunteer  arrange choose desire hate like offer refuse struggle  wait   ask claim expect hesitate love plan regret swear want   attempt   consent   fail   hope   manage   prefer  remember   tend   wish