Adjective + Infinitive: How to Use This Grammar Structure Correctly
What Is the "Adjective + Infinitive" Structure?
The "adjective + infinitive" structure is a common grammatical pattern in English where an adjective is followed by an infinitive verb (to + base form). This construction expresses how someone feels about an action or describes a characteristic related to an action.
Examples:
It’s hard to understand. (The action of understanding is difficult.)
She was happy to help. (She felt joy in helping.)
They’re eager to learn. (They have a strong desire to learn.)
Common Adjectives Used with Infinitives
Certain adjectives frequently appear in this structure. Here are some of the most common:
Adjective | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Happy | He was happy to see his friend. |
| Difficult | It’s difficult to solve this puzzle. |
| Easy | English is easy to learn with practice. |
| Ready | We’re ready to leave now. |
| Afraid | She’s afraid to speak in public. |
Correct vs. Incorrect Usage
✅ Correct: "It’s important to drink water."
❌ Incorrect: "It’s important drinking water." (Gerund shouldn’t replace infinitive here.)
✅ Correct: "They were surprised to hear the news."
❌ Incorrect: "They were surprised hearing the news."
Tips for Using Adjective + Infinitive
Pay attention to adjective choice – Some adjectives require an infinitive, while others work better with gerunds.
Avoid unnecessary pronouns – Instead of "She is happy for her to go," say "She is happy to go."
Use "for" when specifying a subject – "It’s essential for students to study."
Final Thoughts
Mastering the "adjective + infinitive" structure improves fluency and makes your English sound more natural. Practice with common adjectives and pay attention to sentence patterns in books, movies, and conversations.
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