Grammar

2.311 with 'to'-infinitive clauses

A 'to'-infinitive clause is often put after nouns in order to show what the thing referred to is intended to do.

The government of Mexico set up a programme to develop new varieties of wheat.
...a simple device to test lung function.
They need people to work in the factories.

2.312

You can refer to something or someone that should or can have something done to them by using a clause containing 'to'-infinitive after a noun or indefinite pronoun.

I make notes in the back of my diary of things to be mended or replaced.
...when I've had something to eat.

You can also use a clause consisting of a 'to'-infinitive followed by a preposition.

...a room with nothing in it except a string cot to sleep on, a lectern to write on and two wooden shelves.
He remembered he had nothing to write with.

2.313

You can also use a 'to'-infinitive clause when you want to say that you are talking about, for example, the first, oldest, or only person who did something.

...the first woman to be elected to the council.
...the next person to speak.
...the oldest person to be chosen.
I am not the only woman to have found that part-time work has its drawbacks.

2.314

A clause containing a 'to'-infinitive is used after some abstract nouns to show what action they relate to.

...people who didn't have the opportunity to go to university.
...trying to think of a way to stop him.