A sentence that begins with an infinitive phrase followed by a main clause must name the agent after the first comma. The following steps show how to correctly construct this type of sentence.

1. Identify the infinitive phrase. The infinitive phrase will start with To, followed by a verb.

   Example: To appreciate Hamlet, a performance of it must be seen.

   The infinitive phrase is To appreciate Hamlet.

2. Determine whether the subject of the main clause is a logical agent (doer of the action) for the infinitive verb.

   1. Identify the subject of the main clause. In our example, the subject of the main clause is a performance of it.

   2. Decide whether the subject is a logical agent for the infinitive phrase. In this case, a performance cannot perform the action to appreciate, so a performance is not a logical agent for this infinitive phrase.

3. If the subject of the main clause is not a logical agent, revise the main clause to put a different noun or noun phrase in subject position.

   Revised: To appreciate Hamlet, you must see a performance of it.

   In the revised version, the new subject (you) is now a logical agent for appreciate. Note that this could also be revised so that you is the understood subject: To appreciate Hamlet, see a performance of it.

Remember: The subject of a main clause following an infinitive phrase must be a logical agent for the infinitive verb.

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