an act or state in progress:

To learn a language is difficult vs. learning a language is difficult.

Dummy “it” may take the place of the subject in infinitive phrases

For him to get the money now is impossible.

It is impossible for him to get the money now.

Exercise: Change the following sentences so that the infinitive subjects are used after dummy ‘’it’’

1. For anyone to do better than he does irritates him.
2. Never to see him again would make her very sad.
3. To keep looking young forever is an ideal of many women.
4. To cook tasty but economical dishes requires much ingenuity.
5.      To get him to come with us won’t be easy.

Verbs taking infinitive object are as follows

Exercise: Form an infinitive phrase form the words in parentheses.

1. He failed (appear, court, when, he suppose to).
2. We hope (improve, this machine, near future).
3.  They are planning (cross, ocean).
4. Would you care (have, your car, wash)?
5. He claims (descend a royal family).
6. They were resolved (carry through, plan, they, make).
7. He always manages (assign, easiest tasks).
8. She desires (not disturb, an hour).
9. The boy is pretending (be, son, millionaire).
10. The accused man has refused (sign, confession).