Listening to a real radio interview is one of the most effective ways to understand how adjective + infinitive structures work in everyday English. In this conversation between host Brian and musician Cory Styles, several natural examples appear that show how native speakers express emotions, obligations, and opinions using this grammar pattern.
What are adjective + infinitive structures?
This pattern combines an adjective with a to-infinitive verb to express feelings, judgments, or necessity. It often follows the formula it is + adjective + for someone + to do something, or subject + be + adjective + to do something. Throughout the interview, both Brian and Cory use this structure repeatedly, making it an excellent model for learners.
At the very beginning, Brian says he is "so eager for you guys to meet our guest" [0:03], showing how eager pairs with an infinitive to express strong anticipation. He later adds "everyone is so eager for you to start touring" [0:27], reinforcing the same pattern.
How do speakers express emotions with this pattern?
Cory responds with "I am very happy to be here" [0:22], a classic and simple use of adjective + infinitive to describe a feeling. Brian mirrors this energy by saying "I am also delighted for all the audience to listen to the new style" [0:50], where delighted serves the same emotional function.
Near the end of the conversation, Brian wraps up with "it was such a pleasure for me to have you today" [1:43], showing that pleasure (used as a noun in a similar construction) can also carry this pattern naturally.
How do speakers express necessity or importance?
- "It was vital for me to change to a more modern sound" [1:10] — Cory explains why switching guitars mattered.
- "It is crucial for all the up-and-coming artists to know your secret" [1:30] — Brian highlights the importance of vocal health tips.
- "It is important for me to have a healthy diet" [1:36] — Cory shares his first priority.
- "It is mandatory for me to warm up 20 minutes before starting" [1:39] — he describes a non-negotiable routine.
Notice how each sentence uses it is + adjective + for + person + to-infinitive. The adjectives change — vital, crucial, important, mandatory — but the structure stays the same.
What does "impossible" look like in this pattern?
When asked about touring Canada and Alaska, Cory says "it is impossible for me to stand the cold winter weather" [1:22]. Here, impossible expresses a limitation rather than a feeling or obligation. This shows the versatility of the pattern: it works for positive emotions, requirements, and even restrictions.
How can you practice these structures?
Pay attention to the adjectives that appeared in the interview and try building your own sentences:
- Eager: expresses excitement or anticipation.
- Happy and delighted: express positive emotions.
- Vital, important, crucial, mandatory: express different levels of necessity.
- Impossible: expresses limitation or inability.
A useful exercise is to replace the adjective while keeping the rest of the sentence intact. For example, change "It is important for me to warm up" to "It is essential for me to warm up." This builds flexibility and confidence with the structure.
The interview also introduces useful vocabulary for music fans: touring, album, tracks, up-and-coming artists, and warm up (in the context of vocal preparation, not exercise).
Try writing your own short interview using at least four adjective + infinitive sentences, and share it in the comments!
