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'He is able to speak English'

'to speak' is a to-infinitive usage? If so, 'to speak English' modifies 'able' as an adverb?

Or 'be able to' is one chunk unit to learn by heart as an idom?

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The verb phase is "to be able (+ infinitive)".

He is able to speak English.

  • he = subject
  • is able = conjugated verb phrase of "to be able"
  • to speak = the infinitive
  • English = direct object

There is no adverb.

The + infinitive part isn't required. "He is able" is a complete sentence. But if you're going to follow up with what he is able to do (infinitive), an infinitive must follow.

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  • Thx. to infinitive has three usages: noun, adjective, adverb — which one here? (in case of "be able to infinitive"), for example, To speak English is ~.(noun usage as subject), Work hard to make money(usage as adverb(for purpose)), a book to read(as adjective)
    – gomadeng
    Commented Jan 25, 2021 at 18:13

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