It is a noun and the object of the verb just as a gerund can be the object
of the verb "try" : I've tried improving my grades, but haven't succeeded
yet.

Dalia Stein
Beit Berl College
Israel
----- Original Message -----
From: carol kieninger <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Thursday, August 02, 2001 7:34 PM
Subject: <no subject>


> How about a response to this sentence:
>
> Mary is trying to improve the condition of her house.
>
> My question is about the infinitive. Is "to improve" acting as the a noun
> and the object of the verb, or is it an adverb?
>
> thanks,
> carol
>
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