Meaning of infinitival | Babel Free

Definitions

1. Of, pertaining to, or formed from an infinitive.
2. Having a function or usage similar to an infinitive.

Examples

“For example, we want⟳ to be able to stipulate in the lexical entry for persuade⟳ simply that it takes an NP and a clausal Complement ([...]). From the meaning of persuade⟳, it will follow⟳ that the clausal Complement cannot be interrogative or exclamative. From independent word-order restrictions (an NP Complement must be positioned immediately adjacent to its sister V), it will follow⟳ that an NP Complement must precede the clausal Complement. Given that both Exceptional Clauses and Small Clauses must immediately follow⟳ a transitive Verb, it will follow⟳ that the clausal Complement of persuade⟳ cannot be an S or an SC, but rather must be an S-bar. Given that S-bar can be either finite or infinitival, we should expect⟳ to find⟳ that in the unmarked case, either type⟳ of clausal Complement is possible with persuade⟳: and examples such as the following suggest⟳ that this is correct⟳: (64) (a) Mary persuaded John [_(Sʼ) [_C that] he should resign] (64) (b) Mary persuaded John [_(Sʼ) [_C e] PRO to resign]”

CEFR level