An infinitive is a phrase, consisting of the word to and the basic form of a

verb, that functions as a noun, an adjective, or an adverb. Heres a

discussion of the five types of infinitives.

1. Subject
An infinitive can constitute the subject of a sentence. For example, in To
go, even after all that trouble, didnt seem worthwhile anymore, to go is
the action that drives the sentence.
2. Direct Object
In the sentence We all want to see, to see is the direct object, the
noun (or noun substitute) that receives the action of the verb. To see
refers to a thing being done or, in this case, desired to be done: the
act of seeing.
3. Subject Complement
In My goal is to write, to write is the subject complement. A subject
complement looks just like a direct object, but the difference is in the
type of verb preceding it. The verb in the previous example, want, is a
transitive verb. (Transitive verbs have two defining characteristics: They
precede a direct object, and they express an action.)
In My goal is to write, the verb is a copular, or linking, verb one that
links a subject to a word or phrase that complements it. (In this sentence,
to write is the goal, so its the complement of goal. Note that in the
previous example, to see is what those referred to as we want, but its
not the complement of we.)
4. Adjective
In She didnt have permission to go, to go modifies permission it
describes what type of permission is being discussed so the phrase
serves as an adjective.
5. Adverb
In He took the psychology class to try to understand human behavior,
to understand (human behavior) explains why the taking of the class
occurred, so its an adverb modifying the verb took.