Mr. Hay's purpose to preserve or restore [of preserving or restoring] the integrity of the administrative entity of China has never been abandoned.—Times.
My custom to be dressed [of being dressed] for the day, as soon as breakfast is over,...will make such a step less suspected.—Richardson.
He points out that if Russia accepted the agreement, she would not attain her object to clear [of clearing] the situation, inasmuch as...—Times.
What accounts for these mistakes is the analogy of forms like: Our design was to return; it is a duty to instruct; man has power to interpret (but the power of interpreting); it is my custom to be dressed.
When, however, the noun thus defined is more or less closely fused into a single idea with the verb that governs it, the infinitive becomes legitimate, though seldom necessary.
The menace to have secreted Solmes, and that other, that I had thoughts to run away with her foolish brother,...so much terrified the dear creature...—Richardson.
I passed my childhood here, and had a weakness here to close my life.—Beaconsfield.
Before ten o'clock in the evening, Gasca had the satisfaction to see the bridge so well secured that...—Prescott.
Almagro's followers made as little scruple to appropriate to their own use such horses and arms as they could find.—Prescott.
Had thoughts means was planning; had a weakness means desired; had the satisfaction, was pleased; made as little scruple, scrupled as little.
Again, an interval between the noun defined and the infinitive or gerund makes the former more tolerable.
The necessity which has confronted the Tokio War Office, to enlarge their views of the requirements of the situation.—Times.
Or the infinitive is used to avoid a multiplication of of.
He had as much as any man ever had that gift of a great preacher to make the oratorical fervour which persuades himself while it lasts into the abiding conviction of his hearers.—Lowell.
The pastures of Tartary were still remembered by the tenacious practice of the Norsemen to eat horseflesh at religious feasts.—Emerson.
If the noun has the indefinite article the infinitive is better sometimes.
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