Which term describes a verbal form comprised of 'to' plus the root of the verb and can function as a noun, adjective, or adverb?

• A. Infinitive
• B. Gerund
• C. Participle
• D. Clause

Answer: (A)

The idea here is the infinitive. An infinitive is the verb form built with to plus the base form of the verb, like to run, to read, or to eat. It can function in different roles: as a noun (To swim is fun), as an adjective (a book to read), or as an adverb (She studied to pass the test). This versatility—the ability to act as noun, adjective, or adverb—sets it apart from other verbal forms.

Gerunds are -ing forms that act like nouns (Reading helps you learn), but they don’t include to. Participles are -ing or -ed forms that describe or modify nouns (a running stream, a broken window) and don’t serve as nouns themselves. A clause is a group of words with a subject and a predicate, not a single verbal form.