English Grammar

Adjectives that can be followed by infinitives

Infinitives are often used after adjectives which express people’s reactions and feelings. Common examples are: pleased, glad, surprised, happy, anxious, shocked, afraid etc.

• She was anxious to go home.
• I was surprised to get her letter.
• It is nice to talk to you.
• I am glad to meet you.
• You don't look happy to see me.

Other adjectives that can be followed by infinitives include: right, wrong, stupid, certain, welcome, careful, due, fit, able, likely and lucky.

• I was stupid to trust him.
• They are certain to win.
• You are welcome to stay as long as you like.

An infinitive can be used after adjective + noun to make a comment or judgment.

• It was a stupid thing to do.
• It was an astonishing way to behave.

Superlative adjectives can be followed by an infinitive structure.

• He is the oldest athlete ever to win an Olympic gold medal.

This structure is also common with first, second, third etc., next, last and only.

• Who was the first woman to climb Mt Everest?
• She is the only scientist to have won three Nobel prizes.

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