In this article, we will discuss a common question regarding the use of the ‘to-infinitive’ in English grammar. Specifically, we will explore a sentence featuring a ‘to-infinitive’ and discuss how it functions, particularly in passive voice constructions like the one in the following example:
Analyzing the Sentence
The sentence in question is: ‘Scottish social philosopher Adam Smith is widely thought to have cast aside worries about the destructive aspects of money-hungry practices.’ Here, the ‘to-infinitive’ is used after the verb ‘thought’. Let’s break it down and examine the usage.
Understanding the ‘To-Infinitive’ in Passive Constructions
In passive voice constructions like ‘is thought’, the subject (Adam Smith) is the recipient of the thought. The phrase ‘to have cast aside’ is part of a perfect infinitive construction, indicating a past action. It does not violate grammatical rules because it functions as part of an infinitive clause that serves as the complement of the verb ‘thought’.
It is essential to remember that in passive voice, the subject of the sentence is the one receiving the action. Here, ‘to have cast aside’ reflects an action that Adam Smith is thought to have performed in the past, hence the use of the perfect infinitive.
Common Misunderstandings with ‘To-Infinitives’
One common confusion arises when learners assume that the verb after ‘is thought’ cannot take a direct object or follow with a ‘to-infinitive’. However, the ‘to-infinitive’ in such contexts serves to explain or complete the meaning of the verb, and it can still exist in passive constructions. The ‘to-infinitive’ is not the subject of the sentence, but rather, it serves as a complement to the verb ‘thought’ to explain what is believed about the subject.
Examples of Similar Constructions
Here are a few examples where ‘to-infinitive’ is used in similar passive voice constructions:
- He is known to have visited Paris several times.
- It is believed to be a great achievement.
- They are expected to arrive by noon.
In all of these cases, the ‘to-infinitive’ is correctly used to provide additional information about the subject of the sentence, often expressing an action or state in the past, as part of a passive construction.
Conclusion
In conclusion, using a ‘to-infinitive’ after a passive verb like ‘is thought’ is grammatically correct and serves a specific purpose in English sentence structure. It is important to understand that the ‘to-infinitive’ in these contexts functions as part of a perfect infinitive, giving more details about the action performed in the past. By recognizing how ‘to-infinitives’ are used in passive voice sentences, you can better understand their role in English grammar.
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