What is the use of the underlined infinitive in the sentence?
The old potter was happy to explain how he shapes the clay lamps for Diwali.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → To complete the meaning of an adjective
Here “to explain” comes after the adjective “happy”. It tells us what the potter was happy to do.
| Option | Form and use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| (1) To complete the meaning of an adjective (answer) | an infinitive (“to” + the base form) can come after an adjective and tell us more about that adjective | Ravi was eager to help his grandmother. |
| (2) As the subject of the verb | the infinitive comes before the verb and names what the sentence is about. Here the subject of “was” is “the old potter” | To shape clay lamps by hand needs patience. |
| (3) As the object of the verb | the infinitive comes right after a verb such as want or hope and tells what is wanted. Here it comes after an adjective | My brother wants to learn pottery. |
| (4) To show the purpose of an action | the infinitive tells why someone does something. “To explain” does not tell why the potter was happy | Papa went to the market to buy clay lamps. |