Examples of Infinitives as Adverbs

    

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An adverb usually modifies a verb to tell us when, where, how, in what manner, or to what extent an action is performed. You have to bear this in mind when working out how infinitives function as verbs.

Here are some examples of infinitive verbs as adverbs:

.  the officer returned to help.

(the infinitive modifies the verb returned . this mean it is means it is functioning as adverb.)

Compare it to this:

.the officer returned so he could help.

(the clause so he could help is an adverbial clause. This proves that the infinitive to help is being used an adverb.)

Here is an other example:

.he will complete the mission to set an example.

(The infinitive modifies the verb will complete.this means it is functioning as an adverb.)

Compare it to this

. he will complete the mission he can set an example.

(the clause so he can set an example is an adverbial clause . therefore, the infinitive to set an example is being used an adverb. Note: how to set is grouped with an example. this is an infinitive phrase.)