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 > > 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/