infinitive of purpose

noun

The use of the "to" infinitive form of a verb in answer to the implied question "why?".

“"I bought a pen and some paper to write a note" is an example of an infinitive of purpose.”

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Meanings

nouninfinitive of purpose (plural infinitives of purpose)

plural infinitives of purpose

  1. grammarThe use of the "to" infinitive form of a verb in answer to the implied question "why?".

    "I bought a pen and some paper to write a note" is an example of an infinitive of purpose.

Cite this entry
APA

infinitive of purpose. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/infinitive%20of%20purpose

MLA

“infinitive of purpose.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/infinitive%20of%20purpose. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “infinitive of purpose,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/infinitive%20of%20purpose.

Source: infinitive of purpose on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.