Infinitives as Objects  When an infinitive acts as a noun, it can be a direct object.  In the 1900s Gandhi tried to obtain freedom for India.  He also hoped to gain rights for all Indians.

Infinitive clause:  An infinitive used as a direct object might be preceded by a noun or pronoun. This noun indicates the doer of the action of the infinitive. It is the subject of the infinitive clause.  An infinitive clause always follows the main verb of the sentence.

Infinitive Clause:  Gandhi encouraged people to engage in protest.  He urged them to act in nonviolent protest of unjust laws.  When the subject of the infinitive clause is a pronoun, it is always in the object form.

Infinitives as Appositives  An infinitive that acts as a noun can be an appositive. My suggestion, to do a project on Washington, D.C., was accepted by the group.

Infinitive Appositive Positioning:  Subject: The team’s goal, to win first place in the conference, meant practicing every day.  Subject Complement: Improvement was our aim, to do better at each meet.

Infinitive Appositive Positioning:  Direct Object: The team set its own rules, to practice daily and to work hard.  Indirect Object: We gave the objective, to bring home a trophy, our best efforts.