Noun Postmodification: To-Clauses

Postmodification with To-clauses

Nouns are sometimes post-modified with a to-clause. These are non-finite clauses, usually without a subject.

The to-clause gives more information about the headword. Often, the main clause containing the headword would have little meaning without the to-clause.

• the best way to prevent this from happening      (context)

  The noun "way" is one of the commonest headwords post-modified with a to-clause.

• a model to account for the effect of acid during the whole of the degradation process      (context)

  To-clauses often contain other nouns which are postmodified in various ways. In this sentence we have three nouns which are modified by prepositional phrases.

• the music’s ability to stimulate parts of our minds that play a role in mathematical ability,      (context)

  To-clauses often contain other nouns which are postmodified in various ways. In this sentence we have two nouns which are modified by prepositional phrases and a relative clause.

• strong potential to reduce falls and sustain a good quality of life in older people with dementia      (context)

  In this sentence the head noun (potential) is effectively followed by two to-clauses (to reduce falls, and [to] sustain a good quality of life ...). Again there are also two nouns modified by prepositional phrases

• experiments to determine which of several explanations might be true      (context)

  In this example the to-clause is followed by a wh-clause.

• a way to reproduce them in different conditions in the lab      (context)

  Another example with "way", plus two prepositional phrases.

• a fascinating space to see some of the different types of stars in their various stages of life      (context)

  Nouns relating to location (e.g. space, place) are also fairly common headwords followed by a to-clause.

• the power to override other emotions momentarily      (context)

  "power", like "potential", is also a fairly common headword followed by a to-clause.

• a somewhat misguided way to describe polymers      (context)

  The headword itself may often be premodified in various ways, in this case by an adverb modified adjective, so that the headword may be a head noun phrase of a few words.

• inability to eat certain foods      (context)

  The words "ability" and "inability" are also not uncommon headwords to to-clauses.

• The best way to identify them      (context)
• the best way to avoid the harms of ultra-processed foods      (context)

  Two more examples with "way" as the headword.

• even less time to think about Christmas      (context)
• time to crystallize      (context)

  "time" along with "place" and "way" are probably the commonest headwords to be modified by to-clauses.

Test your understanding with the To-Clauses Quiz.