The TO-infinitive in non-finite relative clauses

The to-infinitive is often used in non-finite defining relative clauses after ordinal numbers (the first, the second etc.), superlatives (the best, the most beautiful etc.) and after next, last and only:

Neil Armstrong was the first person to land on the moon. (Neil Armstrong was the first person who landed on the moon.)

The last person to leave should turn off the lights. (The last person who leaves should turn off the lights.)

Mike was the only one to help me. (Mike was the only one who helped me.)

Passive infinitives are also possible:

His was the last composition to be marked. (His was the last composition which was marked.)

Rate this page

up
505 users like this page.