Discover how certain modifiers function in sentence structure by exploring adjectives followed by the infinitive To and preposition To with clear lists and examples.
It has already been mentioned that the adjective can be modified by putting infinitive and prepositional phrases after the adjective. However, keep in mind that infinitive or prepositional phrases cannot be placed after any adjective.
It is necessary to know which adjective will be followed by infinitive and which will be followed by preposition. Below is a list of them.
What Is the Difference Between Adjectives Followed by Infinitive To and Preposition To?
Adjectives in English can be modified by following phrases, but learners must understand the specific grammar rules governing whether an adjective takes an infinitive verb or a prepositional object.
| Adjectives followed by the Infinitive To | Adjectives followed by the preposition To |
|---|---|
|
able afraid agreeable amazed amusing angry anxious apt ashamed grateful happy hard hesitant inclined astonished bound careful certain content crazy cruel prepared prompt proud qualified quick ready relieved curious delighted determined due eager easy excited fit fortunate free glad stupid sure surprised interested keen kind likely lucky mad nice pleasant pleased right rude sad safe selfish sensible shocked silly slow thankful thrilled wicked wise worthy wrong welcome sorry |
adequate adjacent affectionate alien alive amenable answerable applicable appropriate averse acceptable apparent blind callous close common camparable conducive contiguous contrary deaf derogatory due false disastrous detrimental equal essential faithful familiar favourable hostile indifferent. inimical impervious fatal irrelevant liable limited loyal necessary obedient offensive open painful subject strange subordinate |
How to Use Adjectives Followed by the Preposition To
Adjectives followed by the preposition To:
Examples:
- The money is adequate to my needs.
- The house is adjacent to the mosque.
- He is very affectionate to his children.
Adjectives followed by the preposition To:
Examples:
- The money is adequate to my needs.
- The house is adjacent to the mosque.
- He is very affectionate to his children.
Key Takeaways
- Adjectives can be modified by infinitive phrases or prepositional phrases.
- Not all adjectives accept these modifiers indiscriminately.
- Certain adjectives specifically take the infinitive To (such as able, afraid, and eager).
- Other adjectives specifically require the preposition To (such as adequate, adjacent, and affectionate).
Quick Practice
Try testing your understanding of sentence structure by writing your own sentences in the comments section below:
- Write one sentence using an adjective followed by the infinitive To (e.g., ready or sure).
- Write one sentence using an adjective followed by the preposition To (e.g., loyal or hostile).
Frequently Asked Questions
What are adjectives followed by the infinitive To?
They are specific descriptive words that link directly to an infinitive verb phrase to complete their meaning, such as being able to or afraid to do something.
How do you use adjectives followed by the preposition To?
These adjectives require the preposition to before introducing a noun object or pronoun, as seen in expressions like adjacent to or affectionate to.
Can any adjective be followed by an infinitive or preposition?
No, only specific adjectives permit these post-modifiers, making it essential to memorize the correct classifications and rules.