Thanks Wanda, Herb, Phil and Don.  Your analyses have been most helpful.
Jeanne 
----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Don Stewart" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 05, 2006 3:10 PM
Subject: Re: function of infinitive phrase


> Jeanne,
> 
> I think this is an infinitive phrase as adjective,
> modifier of "house."  Compare a simpler version:
> 
>  It was an odd house in which to live.
> 
> "Which" refers to "house," of course, and is a
> relative pronoun, object of "in." We could also just
> say, " It was an odd house to live in." You can usually delete
> the relative pronoun unless it is serving as a
> subject.
> 
> Another interesting feature of your sentence is the
> back-to-back infinitives, "to want to wear." We also
> see that combination in "to try to do" and "to ask to
> see," where the second infinitive is the object of the
> first.
> 
> Don Stewart
> writeforcollege.com
> Keeper of the memory and method of Francis Christensen
> 
> *****
> 
> Jeanne Rodgers wrote:
> > Can someone help me determine the function of the infinitive phrase in this sentence about Las Vegas from Joan Didion's book Slouching Towards Bethlehem?
> >
> > All of which makes it an extraordinarily stimulating and interesting place, but an odd one in which to want to wear a candlelight satin Priscilla of Boston wedding dress with Chantilly lace insets, tapered sleeves and a detachable modified train.
> >
> > Jeanne Rodgers
> >
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