2.55 adjectives followed by 'to'-infinitive clauses

To complete the meaning of some adjectives which are used predicatively, you need to follow with a clause beginning with a 'to'-infinitive. For example, you cannot just say 'He is unable'. You have to add a clause beginning with 'to'-infinitive such as 'to do': 'He is unable to do it'.

• They were unable to help her.
• I am willing to try.
• We are liable to find ourselves in a mild state of conflict.
• I am loath to dwell so long on the poor fellow.

Here is a list of adjectives t always or nearly always followed by 'to'-infinitive clauses:

• able, bound, doomed, due, fated, fit, inclined, liable, likely, loath, prepared, unable, unwilling, willing

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You can also use a clause beginning with a 'to'-infinitive after many other adjectives to give more information about something.

• I was afraid to go home.
• I was happy to see them again.
• He was powerless to prevent it.
• I was almost ashamed to tell her.
• The path was easy to follow.

Note that the subject of the main clause is also the subject of the 'to'-infinitive clause.