Peter,
I call this a complement to the adverb "too".  It is sometimes called a 
small clause.  This is particularly apt when the subject must be mentioned. 
The subject becomes a complement using the preposition "for".  Thus we have:

It was too foggy for him to drive.

Another adverb like "too" that has a similar complement is "enough".  In the 
case the adverb follows the adjective modified.

He was sober enough to drive.
It was clear enough for him to drive.

The result clause similarly structures with the adverb "so" that modifies an 
adjective:

He was so drunk that he couldn't drive.

Bruce

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Peter Adams" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 22, 2008 6:08 AM
Subject: Too drunk


> I'm wondering if someone on the list could help me with the analysis  of 
> the following:
>
> He was too drunk to drive.
>
> What is the function of the infinitive "to drive"?
>
> Peter Adams
>
> To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface 
> at:
>     http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html
> and select "Join or leave the list"
>
> Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/
>
> 

To join or leave this LISTSERV list, please visit the list's web interface at:
     http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/ateg.html
and select "Join or leave the list"

Visit ATEG's web site at http://ateg.org/