Passive infinitive
Definition
A passive infinitive uses to be + past participle when the understood subject receives an action. The perfect passive infinitive, to have been + past participle, places the passive event before another time or viewpoint.
to be + past participle
Examples
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The application needs to be signed.
The application receives the action of signing.
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Maya hopes to be selected.
Maya is the person who may receive the selection.
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The error appears to have been corrected.
The correction is presented as earlier than the present appearance or conclusion.
Active vs. passive infinitive
Maya hopes to select the final design.
Maya performs the selecting.
Maya hopes to be selected for the team.
Maya receives the selecting action.
Use the passive infinitive when the understood subject is affected by the action rather than performing it.
The perfect form marks an earlier passive event
To have been + past participle is used after verbs, adjectives, or reporting structures when the passive event is understood as already complete.
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The painting is believed to have been stolen in 1998.
The alleged theft happened before the present belief.
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Leo was relieved to have been included.
The inclusion occurred before the feeling of relief.
Common mistakes
The form needs to signed.
The form needs to be signed.
The passive infinitive requires be.
The error appears to have corrected.
The error appears to have been corrected.
Use have been + past participle for a perfect passive infinitive.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence contains a passive infinitive?
To be repaired is a passive infinitive.Which perfect passive infinitive is correct?
The pattern is to have been + past participle.Which sentence means that Maya receives the action?
To be invited presents Maya as the person affected.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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