An infinitive clause or phrase is one which contains an infinitive as the main verb.
There are two types of infinitive clause:
I need to go shopping this afternoon.
My boss allows me to leave early on Fridays.
I must go shopping this afternoon.
My boss lets me leave early on Fridays.
An infinitive clause can act as a noun, an adjective or an adverb.
1. A noun clause - the subject or object of a sentence answering the question 'who?' or 'what?'
She helped to write the report.
Her job as a coach is to teach language skills.
2. An adjective clause modifies the noun, giving more information about it. These clauses give an opinion or a purpose for the noun.
I don't have time to go to the meeting. [modifies 'time']
John wants a book to read. [modifies 'book']
3. An adverbial clause adds information to the main clause, answering questions such as 'when?', 'where?', 'why?', 'with what goal?' and 'under what conditions?'
John was invited to speak at the conference. [tells us why he was invited]
Jeremy is keen to improve his grammar.
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