Lesson

Adjectives + to

Adjective + infinitive patterns

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

What are Adjectives + to?

Some adjectives are followed by the particle to + infinitive. This structure can complete the adjective (give more information) or describe possibility, willingness, ability, or purpose.

  • Adjective + to + verb (infinitive) — e.g., eager to start, reluctant to sign
  • Adjectives describing feelings, willingness, or readiness commonly use this pattern — e.g., happy to help
  • Other adjectives describe how easy/difficult something is and are used with to + infinitive — e.g., easy to use

Not all adjectives take to + infinitive. Some take prepositions (interested in, afraid of) or that-clauses (sure that).

Table

Common Adjectives + to + infinitive

Adjective Use / Meaning Example
glad feeling pleased; willingness We are glad to announce the new training schedule.
eager keen, enthusiastic She is eager to start the new project next Monday.
ready prepared or willing The team is ready to present the report.
reluctant unwilling or hesitant He was reluctant to sign the contract without legal advice.
afraid feeling fear (followed by to + verb or of + noun) I'm afraid to ask a difficult question.
easy describes how simple something is (adjective + to + verb) The software is easy to use for non-technical staff.
difficult describes how hard something is The task was difficult to complete within a day.
happy pleased or willing We're happy to help with the client onboarding.

Tip

Key rule: When to use to + infinitive

Use to + infinitive after adjectives that take a verb complement. This shows intention, ability, willingness, or describes difficulty/ease.

  • Emotions/willingness: happy/glad/eager/reluctant + to + verb → I am happy to help.
  • Ability/potential: easy/difficult + to + verb → The form is easy to complete.
  • Preparedness: ready + to + verb → She is ready to begin.

Check the adjective in a dictionary: it will indicate whether it is followed by 'to' + infinitive, a preposition (+ -ing), or a that-clause.

Example

Examples in context

We are pleased to announce the new schedule.

The consultant was reluctant to accept the tight deadline.

This platform is easy to use for remote teams.

She felt eager to present her findings at the meeting.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Learners often confuse which adjectives take to + infinitive and which take other structures.

  • Using 'to' with adjectives that require a preposition + -ing: say 'interested in attending', NOT 'interested to attend'.
  • Mixing up 'used to' (past habit) and 'be used to' (+ -ing) — they are not the same as 'to' + infinitive.
  • Dropping 'to' after adjectives that require it: say 'glad to help', NOT 'glad help'.

When in doubt, check the adjective's pattern in a dictionary or test it in a short sentence.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Check whether the adjective requires 'to' + verb or a preposition + -ing.

Quiz

Complete: The manager was _____ to sign the contract.

Hint: What feeling does the manager have about signing? Find the adjective that fits.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Remember the pattern: adjective (easy/difficult) + to + base verb.

Key Points

Vocabulary

reluctant

adjective CEFR B2 //rɪˈlʌktənt//

unwilling or hesitant to do something

The consultant was reluctant to accept the shortened timeline.

Vocabulary

eager

adjective CEFR B2 //ˈiːɡər//

very keen and enthusiastic to do something

She is eager to begin the new assignment.

Vocabulary

easy

adjective CEFR B1 //ˈiːzi//

not difficult; simple to do or use

The form is easy to complete online.

GrammarPoint

interested in

adjective + preposition CEFR A2 //ˈɪntrəstɪd ɪn//

an adjective pattern followed by 'in' + gerund/noun, not 'to' + infinitive

They are interested in expanding into new markets.

GrammarPoint

be used to

expression CEFR B1 //biː juːzd tuː//

an expression meaning accustomed to; followed by noun or gerund

She is used to working late during product launches.

Vocabulary

glad

adjective CEFR B1 //ɡlæd//

pleased or happy about something; often followed by to + infinitive

We are glad to provide the updated figures.