Language point 74 – more about the to-form The TO-FORM of the verb is very important because it’s used in so many situations and with so many other types of word. Let’s see what combinations there are in Dialogue 5: • ADJECTIVE + to-form: Is it easy to use? It was dead easy to set up ADJECTIVE + to-form phrases are usually easy to understand: The computer is easy to use means ‘Using the computer is easy’ It was hard to find so much money means ‘Finding so much money was hard’ Some adjectives describing a state of mind are always followed by the to-form: pleased: happy:. | 204 ---------------------------------------------------------------- Language point 74 - more about the to-form The to-form of the verb is very important because it s used in so many situations and with so many other types of word. Let s see what combinations there are in Dialogue 5 adjective to-form Is it easy to use It was dead easy to set up adjective to-form phrases are usually easy to understand The computer is easy to use means Using the computer is easy It was hard to find so much money means Finding so much money was hard Some adjectives describing a state of mind are always followed by the to-form pleased I m pleased to see you happy We re so happy to be here keen I m keen to visit the new art gallery eager Dave is eager to get started at his new job noun to-form There s just one problem to sort out This means There s just one problem that has to be sorted out . But the noun to-form structure can have other meanings as well. Here are some examples Can I have a book to read Can I have a book that I can read That is a difficult question to answer Answering that question is difficult verb to-form I arranged to pay for it you decided to buy it In Language point 50 we saw the ing-form is used after some verbs and the to-form after others. You have to learn what form to use 205 with each verb - good learners dictionaries will tell you. Here are some more that are followed by the to-form agree Brian agreed to change the schedule ask Shall we ask them to come back later can t afford I can t afford to miss this lecture expect We re expecting to see the family at Christmas fail Suzie failed to get the results she needed help Will you help me to tidy the room offer Shall we offer to do the washing-up refuse I refuse to listen to this nonsense want What do you want to do wh-word to-form I can t find out how to switch it on We can use most question words with a to-form after verbs describing knowing understanding thinking finding out deciding saying telling Here are .
