Using infinitives as complements - A guide for writers

As an editor, you must be familiar with the importance of using proper grammar and syntax in your content. One of the most common structures in English is the infinitive, which is formed by adding "to" in front of a verb. But do you know that infinitives can also be used as complements in a sentence? In this article, we will explore the uses of infinitives as complements and provide some examples of how to use them effectively in your writing.

What is an infinitive complement?

Infinitive complements are clauses that act as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence. They usually follow a verb in the base form and can be introduced by the word "to" or "for". These clauses are often used to express purpose, preference, or necessity.

Examples of infinitive complements as nouns:

- My goal is to become a successful writer.

- His job is to manage the website's content.

- The challenge is to rank higher on search engines.

Examples of infinitive complements as adjectives:

- The best way to optimize a page is to use relevant keywords.

- The only solution for increasing traffic is to improve the quality of content.

- Our main goal is to provide valuable information to our readers.

Examples of infinitive complements as adverbs:

- He works hard to achieve his goals.

- She spoke softly to avoid waking up the baby.

- We write regularly to keep our readers engaged.

How to use infinitive complements in your writing?

1. Use them to express purpose

Infinitive complements are often used to express the purpose of an action. This can help make your content more concise and clear. For example:

- We created this guide to help writers improve their skills.

- The goal of our blog is to provide valuable insights into trends.

2. Use them to express necessity

Infinitive complements can also be used to express necessity. This can help emphasize the importance of an action. For example:

- To rank higher on search engines, it's necessary to use relevant keywords.

- To attract more readers, it's essential to create high-quality content.

3. Use them to express preference

Infinitive complements can also be used to express preference or opinion. This can help personalize your content and make it more engaging. For example:

- In our opinion, the best way to write -friendly content is to use a combination of keywords and natural language.

- We recommend using Google Analytics to track your website's performance.

Conclusion

Infinitive complements are a useful tool for writers to express purpose, necessity, and preference in their content. By incorporating them into your writing, you can make your content more clear and engaging for readers. Remember to use them appropriately and in the right context to avoid confusion. Happy writing!