_{Syntactic Theory}

The Infinitival Marker to

General characteristics:

• Infinitival to precedes a base form verb.
• The distribution is like that of auxiliaries, but in infinitival clauses:
  • position between the subject and the verb phrase
    1. It is crucial [for John to show an interest].
    2. It is crucial that John should show an interest.
  • ellipsis
    1. I know I should [go to the dentist’s], but I just don’t want to.
    2. I don’t really want to [go to the dentist’s], but I know I should.

Categories: Glossary