Question

In the following sentence identify the function of the infinitive (phrase).

Is it too expensive to travel to Europe?

My list of answers contains:
Adverb, subject, direct object, adjective, object of preposition, and predicate noun.

I chose predicate noun.

Also, if an adjective precedes an infinitive like it does in this case, how can I determine its function?

Thank you!

Answer 1

You are correct. The adjective "too" modifies "expensive."

Answer 2

I disagree. "Expensive" is an adjective, it can only be modified by an adverb. In this case, "too."

The infinitive phrase is an appositive. There is no predicate noun; there is a predicate adjective (expensive)

The basic sentence is

<u>It is expensive.</u>
The appositive makes it equivalent to:
<u>To travel is expensive.</u>

So, the phrase functions as the subject.

Answer 3

Wow, that sounds complicated. Thank you for your help!