The infinitive may have a complement or a modifier, as in the last four examples.
III. ADVERBIAL OBJECTIVE
478. The simple predicate may be modified by an adverbial objective ([§ 109]).
- I have waited ages.
- We have walked miles.
- Arthur practised weeks.
The addition of modifiers to the adverbial objective makes an adverbial phrase.
- Walter ran the entire distance.
- He stayed a whole day.
- I will forgive you this time.
- He came at me full tilt.
- The wind blew all night.
- Come with me a little way.
In the first sentence, the adverbial phrase the entire distance modifies the verb ran as an adverb would do. This phrase consists of the noun distance with its adjective modifiers, the and entire.
IV. NOMINATIVE ABSOLUTE
479. The simple predicate may be modified by a nominative absolute ([§ 345]).
A substantive in the absolute construction makes with its modifiers an adverbial phrase.