bendetskaya m e the infinitive english grammar practice

Практическая г р а м м а т и к а

ИНФИНИТИВ
English G r a mma r Practi ce:

T HE I N F I N I T I V E
Учебное пособие для студентов специальности
«Современные иностранные языки»
учреждений, обеспечивающих получение высшего образования

2-е издание, исправленное и дополненное

Минск
Лексис
2013


УДК 811.111/367(075.8)
ББК 81.2Англ-923
П69

Авторы:
старший преподаватель кафедры ТиПАР МГЛУ М. Е. Бендецкая,
старший преподаватель кафедры ТиПАР МГЛУ Т. В. Рахунок,
старший преподаватель кафедры ТиПАР МГЛУ Н. В. Федосеева,
преподаватель кафедры ТиПАР МГЛУ С. А. Лысенко,
преподаватель кафедры ТиПАР МГЛУ Ю. В. Кривко

Бендецкая, М. Е.

П69

Практическая грамматика: Инфинитив = English Grammar Practice: The Infinitive : учебное
пособие / М. Е. Бендецкая [и др.] — 2-е изд. — Минск : Лексис, 2013. — 136 с.
ISBN 978-985-6932-30-7.
Цель данного пособия - развитие и совершенствование грамматических знаний, навыков и умений студентов,
предусмотренных типовой учебной программой для ВУЗов по специальности «Современные иностранные языки» в рам­
ках изучения темы «Инфинитив».
Пособие состоит из взаимосвязанных «разделов описательного и практического характера. Предназначено для
студентов языковых ВУЗов й факультетов, изучающих английский язык на продвинутом уровне, а также может быть
использовано широким кругом лиц, изучающих английский язык на курсах или самостоятельно.
УДК 811.111’367(075.8)
ББК 81.2Англ-923

ISBN 978-985-69-30-7

© Оформление. ООО "Лексис", 2013


The Morphological Categories of the infinitive

3

THE INFINITIVE
To be, or not to be: that is the question...
William Shakespeare

The infinitive is a non-finite form of the verb which names a process in a most general way. It is treated
as the initial form of the verb and represents it in dictionaries. The infinitive is also defined as the most
basic form of the verb: be, do, know. It gives a name to an event, describes a state or a fact irrespective

of a person, number, a factual moment of speaking and mood. The infinitive has the properties of the
noun and the verb. In other words, it has a double nature, verbal and nominal.
verbal characteristics

nominal characteristics

morphological
categories

• Infinitives have the category of time correlation.
• Infinitives have the category of aspect.
• Infinitives of transitive verbs have the category of
voice.

syntactic
features

• Infinitives can be modified by adverbials.
• Infinitives can take prepositional objects.
• Infinitives of transitive verbs can take direct objects.

Infinitives can be used
as subjects, predicatives,
objects.1

THE MORPHOLOGICAL CATEGORIES OF THE INFINITIVE
The six forms of the infinitive reveal its morphological categories.
ACTIVE
NON-PERFECT COMMON

(to) do

NON-PERFECT CONTINUOUS

(to) be doing

PERFECT COMMON

(to) have done

PERFECT CONTINUOUS

(to) have been doing

PASSIVE
(to) be done
----(to) have been done
-----

THE CATEGORY OF TIME CORRELATION
Unlike finite forms of the verb infinitives have no tense category; they usually do not refer the action
to the present, past or future2. The examples below show that the infinitive does not have direct time
reference. The time of the action is indicated by the finite verb.
It is exciting
It was exciting
It will be exciting

to study languages.

For details and examples see THE INFINITIVE AS A SUBJECT, THE INFINITIVE AS A PREDICATIVE and THE INFINITIVE AS

AN OBJECT.
For cases when the infinitive refers an action to a particular time see THE INFINITIVE AS PART OF A COMPOUND
VERBAL MODAL PREDICATE.


English Grammar Practice

4

The time reference of the infinitive is relative: it can be understood only through its reference to
the time of the finite verb. Infinitives express the time of the action as prior to, simultaneous with
or posterior to the action expressed by the finite verb. The relative time reference is expressed
through the category of time correlation which reveals itself in the opposition of non-perfect and
perfect forms.
NON-PERFECT

PERFECT
(to) have done
(to) have been doing
(to) have been done

(to) do
(to) be doing
(to) be done

NON-PERFECT INFINITIVES
The actions of non-perfect infinitives may
1. take place at the same time with the actions of the finite verb. In other words, the actions of non­
perfect infinitives and those of finite verbs are simultaneous.
He was happy

to see us.
to be doing it without any help.
to be shown the new picture.

2. follow the actions of the finite verbs. Such infinitives denote posterior actions; they show
succession.
He is studying to become a dentist one day.
I did everything to be invited to the coming event.
3. precede the actions of the finite verb. In such contexts actions of the infinitive and the finite verb closely
follow each other and there is no time lapse between the events. The infinitive describing a prior action
follows a verb denoting an emotional state: astonish, like, relieve, shock, surprise, wonder, etc.
I was surprised to learn that he was no longer in London.
He was shocked to be scolded for something he had never done.
PERFECT INFINITIVES
1. The actions of perfect infinitives precede the actions of the finite verbs. In other words, perfect
infinitives denote actions that were carried out prior to those expressed by the finite verbs.
He claims
He claimed
He will claim

to have written the essay.
to have been writing the essay for days.
to have been given the task earlier that month.


5

The Morphological Categories of the infinitive

2. Perfect infinitives can be used to denote actions which were not carried out. They follow the past
tense-forms of the verbs expect, mean, intend, hope, etc. The same idea can be expressed by
non-perfect infinitives used after finite verbs in the past perfect tense.
I hoped to have written the essay by noon. = I had hoped to write the essay by noon.

THE CATEGORY OF ASPECT
The category of aspect is revealed in the opposition of the common and continuous aspect forms
that express the manner in which the action is performed. A common infinitive normally does not
describe the character of the action. A continuous infinitive expresses a longer action in progress.
IMPORTANT! The passive voice has no aspect opposition.
COMMON
Active

(to) do
(to) have done

Passive

(to) be done
(to) have been done

CONTINUOUS
(to) be doing
(to) have been doing
-------

-----

Non-perfect continuous infinitives denote actions in progress which are simultaneous with those of
the finite verbs.

It is fun
It was fun
It will be fun

to be staving with you at the campsite.

Perfect continuous infinitives are used to express actions that precede those of the finite verbs. Their
continuous forms stress that the actions have lasted for some time.
They pretend
They pretended
They will pretend

to have been waiting for hours.

! Non-perfect common infinitives are often called indefinite.


6________________________________________________________________________English Grammar Practice

THE CATEGORY OF VOICE
The opposition of the active and passive forms reveals the category of voice.
| Only transitive verbs have passive voice forms. They are found in the common aspect exclusively.
ACTIVE
Common
Continuous

(to) do
(to) have done
(to) be doing
(to) have been doing

PASSIVE
(to) be done
(to) have been done

Active infinitives denote that the action is performed by the subject; passive infinitives show that the
subject is acted upon. Compare:
I still do not know which is better, to love or to be loved?
He could not have managed the job; it could not have been done yet.
Active |nd passive infinitives can have a similar passive meaning. In such cases the infinitive is active
in form but passive in meaning.3 Speakers use active forms when they think about the person or the
object that performs the action rather than the action itself.
There are two essays to write/to be written.
I am not to blame / to be blamed.
She is easy to deal with /to be dealt with.
!

If the subject of the sentence is the person who does the action, active infinitives are used to
denote passive actions.
He had an essay to write. (NOT lie-had an essay to be written)
I have something to tell you. ('NOT I have something to tell you:)

3

For details see: THE INFINITIVE AS A PREDICATIVE and THE INFINITIVE AS AN ATTRIBUTE.


7

The Morphological Categories of the Infinitive

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Complete the charts.
ACTIVE

PASSIVE

COMMON

to catch

CONTINUOUS
to have been talking

to be lit

to have risen

to have made

to be leaving
to have been tried

to ski

to strike

to be tying
NON-PERFECT

PERFECT

to hold
to be selling
to have been spending
to be spoken of
to have shrunk
to burst

Build the form of the infinitive according to the description.
The Indefinite Infinitive Passive — drive, wear, raise, lay.
The Perfect Continuous Infinitive — deal, lie, stay.
The Continuous Infinitive — study, buy, feel.
The Perfect Infinitive Passive — build, hang, hurt.
The Perfect Infinitive Active — arise, fall, shine, sit, win.

State the form of the infinitive and explain why it is used.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

It is pure luck to have been born into this family.
Gold and love are hard to hide.
He bought an alarm clock not to oversleep.
Judging from the books and papers on the writing-table he must have been working

since they left him in the morning.
He seemed to be weighing something in his mind.
People don't like to be told what to do.
She seems to have grown taller.
It ought to have been done long ago; at least before their leaving London.


English Grammar Practice

8

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

I meant to have helped him, no offence was meant.
When in Paris, we went to a wonderful restaurant to enjoy an open-air meal.
I don't know what Mark's doing. He may be studying in his room.
He pretended to have forgotten her name.
The Rolex company are the first to have developed the idea of a modern watch.
He claims to have worked here before.
They seem to have been fighting all their lives.
He's a slow worker! I could have done the job twice in the time he's taken.
An intelligence test sometimes shows a man how smart he would have been not to have

taken it.

Underline the correct forms.

Ex. 4
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Helen can't have been trying /to have tried to call us all day. The phone hasn't rung once.
I like fo give/to be given presents to friends, but even more I like to give/to be given
gifts.
He was sorry not to notice/not to have noticed the fax on the secretary's table.
The third key remained fo have been tested/to be tested.
That woman is still sitting. She seems to be waiting/to have been waiting over an hour.
I intended to have been reminded/ to have reminded you of it earlier.
Jack appears to overtake/ to have overtaken John on the last lap. — Yes, let's go and
congratulate him!
How can she work/be working in the garden now? It is already dark.

This meeting, Edwina realized, must have planned/ have been planned several hours
ago.
The man seemed to study/to be studying me and I felt uneasy in his presence.
Progress might be/have been all right once, but it has gone on too long.
Many buildings were reported fo have damaged/to have been damaged by the fire.
I'd rather walk/have walked a little before going to bed later tonight.
If happiness could buy / be bought, few of us could pay / be paid the price.

Fill in the correct forms of the infinitives.

Ex. 5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

Everybody is going (to give) a rise.
How fortunate he is (to travel) all over the world and (to see) so much of it.
He kept late hours last night, he may still (to sleep).
She seems (to work) at her course paper since spring and says she has still a lot (to do).
She must (to be) very beautiful years ago.
The manuscript appears (to write) in Greek.
This book is likely (to publish) and (to appear) on sale pretty soon.
He was seen (to disappear) in the distance.

The Morphological Categories of the Infinitive

9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

9

The book was believed (to lose) until the librarian found it during the inventory. It turned
out (to misplace).
It was (to be) a non-stop flight, but the plane had to make a forced landing.
I'd sooner (to stay) at home than see this play.
Office affairs are easy (to begin) and difficult (to finish).
In the morning he was nowhere (to see).
Half of the modern medicines could well (to throw) out of the window except that the
birds might (to eat) them.
She seemed (to pay) no attention to what was going round her.

Translate into English.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
19.
20.

Я рад, что дал вам эту книгу.
Я рад, что мне дали эту книгу.
Мы хотим проинформировать вас об этом.
Мы хотим, чтобы нас проинформировали об этом.
Мы рады, что встретили его на станции.
Мы рады, что нас встретили на станции.
Они очень довольны, что их пригласили на конференцию.
Они очень довольны, что пригласили вас на конференцию.
Я не думал прерывать ее.
Я не предполагал, что меня прервут.
Мне неловко, что я причинил вам столько беспокойства.
Он будет счастлив, что повидался с вами.
Он, казалось, подыскивал нужные слова.
Ему повезло, что он побывал в такой интересной поездке.
Он терпеть не может, когда над ним шутят.
Дети любят, когда им рассказывают сказки.

Вы, кажется, уже давно здесь сидите.
Посмотрите на него! Он, очевидно, решает какую-то важную задачу.
Вряд ли они запомнили мой адрес.
Не может быть, чтобы он сидел в читальном зале с самого утра. Наверное, он уже
ушел.


English Grammar Practice

10

THE BARE INFINITIVE AND THE TO-INFINITIVE
The marker TO is generally put before the infinitive. Still, there are cases when the so-called bare
infinitives - infinitives without TO -a re used.

Ш We use bare infinitives
1. after auxiliary verbs.
I will come to see you.
He didn't come on time.
2. after most modal verbs except ought to, have to, be to. Compare:
Need you have paid so much ? — I needn't have done it.
You don't need to leave yet, do you ? — /need to get some sleep.
How dare you say, that? — I dared not deceive you.
He didn't dare to sav what he thought.
3. after the expressions had better, would rather/ sooner (than), cannot (choose) but.
You had better stay where you are.
I would rather be sleeping now.
4. after verbs denoting sense perception hear, see, watch, observe, notice, feel in the active voice.
After these verbs in the passive voice infinitives retain their marker TO. Compare:
They saw the boy borrow my bicycle.

The boy was seen to borrow my bicycle.
IMPORTANT! The infinitive to be after feel is used with the marker TO.
I felt it to be the truth.
5. after the verb let.
Let me go,!
6. after the verb make in the active voice in the meaning 'to force = заставлять'. Compare:
What makes you say so?
He was made to retype the passage.
7. after the verb have in the meanings 'to allow, tell or arrange for somebody to do something =
допускать, велеть, заставлять'
I will not have you argue with your Mom.
= Я не потреплю, чтобы ты спорил с мамой.


The Morphological Categories of the Infinitive:

11

8. to introduce questions, suggestions in infinitive sentences beginning with why (not).
Why pay more?
Why not stay with us?

Ш The marker TO is optional
1. after the verb help. BUT! Infinitives in the negative forms retain the marker TO after the verb help.
Compare:
She helped me (to) do it.
She helped me not to do it.
2. after the expressions what smb / something does is, all somebody / something did was, the least
/most we can do and the like.
What a fire-door does is (to) delay the spread offire.

All I did was (to) give him a little push.
The most they could do was (to) leave immediately.
3. after the perfect form of know (- experience= замечать, видеть)
I have known it (to) snow in July before.
I haven't known her (to) weep before.
INFINITIVES AFTER CONJUNCTIONS
When infinitives are joined by and, as, as well as, but, except, like, or, rather than, than the marker
TO of the second infinitive is often dropped.
I want you to iron or do the rooms upstairs.
I intended to sit in the garden and write letters.
It is easier to do the dishes myself than ask you to do it.
It is as easy to smile as frown.
I have to feed the animals as well as look after the children.
Why don't you do something useful like water the flowers?
Rather than wait any more, I decided to go home.
After but and except in such phrases as do anything but / except; do nothing but / except; do
everything but/ except; do much but/except bare infinitives are used.
He does nothing but complain.
Could you do anything but ask questions?
My dog does everything except speak.
We don't do much in the evening except watch television.
! When joined asyndetically (without any conjunctions), infinitives retain their markers.
He came to see me, to eniov the quiet country life, to get away from it all.


English Grammar Practice

12
INFINITIVES REPRESENTED BY THE MARKER TO
To avoid repetition, an infinitive is sometimes represented by its marker TO.

Do you live in Paris? - No, but I used to.
= Вы живете в Париже? - Нет, но раньше жил.
This is chiefly done:

• after verbs ask to, dare to, desire to, dream to, expect to, forget to, hate to, hope to, intend to,
like to, love to, mean to, need to, plan to, promise to, refuse to, try to, want to, wish to.
Mark Twain said: "Man is the only animal that blushes. Or needs to."
• after modal verbs ought to, have to;
Nobody wants to assist him, but I ought to / have to.
• after phrases: be able to, be afraid to, be allowed to, be determined to, be glad to, be going to, be
made to, have the occasion to, have the right to, used to, would hate to, would like / love toJ etc,
He tried to swim across the stream but was not able to.
He did not feel like doing his room, but he was made toWould you like to come with us? - Yes, I would love to.
SPLIT INFINITIVES
The markerTO may be separated from the infinitive by an adverb. Split infinitives used to be considered
bad style, but now they are acceptable to give a special emphasis to the verb.
She does not want to even see me, to spy nothing of going out.
It would take years to really master the subject.


Fhe Morphological Categories of the Infinitive

13

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Ex. 7

■

Supply the missing marker TO.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.

He never let himself be angry.
1have look after the children as well as feed the animals.
You'd better not say what you think.
You may as well tell us the truth.
1used live in a caravan.
Where would you like have lunch?
You must take care not offend her.
1don't want them think you in the wrong.
The least we can do is try and understand this idea.
Mrs. Carey rose help her lay the cloth.
People sometimes hurt you, but it is not because they mean.

It heartened Mary hear him speak so lightly.
Lisa felt herself grow red to the tips of her toes.
He was seen sneak quietly in the room.
Jack couldn't get his car start.
It's easier do it yourself than explain to somebody else how do it.
Live all you can. It's a mistake not.

Ex. 8 y j Use the required form of the infinitive in brackets. Insert the marker 70 where necessary.
A.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7..
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Let's (not stay out) long.
I could not but (admit) that he was right.
How dare you (open) my letters!
He was heard (knock) on the door twice.
Could you help me (carry) this bag?

You oughtn't (show) your feelings.
I'd rather (go) for a walk in the rain than (do) nothing at all.
Susan must (oversleep), because it's 10 am and she's not in theoffice yet.
I'm sorry, I should (let) you (know) about it long ago.
I heard the door (open) and saw a shadow (move) across the floor.
Need we really (leave) so early?
I have never known him (speak) so rudely before.
There is nothing (do) but (wait) till somebody comes (let) us out.
She had the child (drink) a glass of warm milk.
The kidnappers told the parents (not inform) the police, and the parents didn't dare
(disobey).
16. Will we need (show) our passports?
17. "If you've got nothing to say," I said, "why (try) (say) it? Why not (have) a little rest?"


English Grammar Practice

14
B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

There was one announcement (make).
She hoped (accomplish) the task by the end of the week, but she failed.
All I wanted (do) was (cut) the formalities short.
I'm sorry (disappoint) you but I can't let you (have) any money till the end of the month.
You are (not mention) this to anyone.
I think he must (suffer) from injury now.
He is expected (arrive) in a few days.
I haven't done much for you. You might (ask) much more at that time.
It's very interesting (hear) you (say) that.
She noticed that he seemed (look) at the sideboard and with her engaging smile leaned
forward.
11. She liked (like), (think) worthy of confidence.

Change the sentences as shown.
Model:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

I couldn't understand the timetable, (wasn't able)
/ wasn't able to understand the timetable.
It's important to eat enough. (You should)
I'd like to go sailing this summer. (I might)
She'll probably get married in June. (She expects)
I said I would help her. (I agreed)
It's necessary to make careful plans. (We must)
Perhaps he's ill. (He seems)
I want to change my job. (I wish I could)
I may come and see you next week. (I hope)
You don't need to apologize. (You needn't)
They will open a new branch in London. (They have decided)
I will certainly pay you on Saturday. (I promise)
I couldn't find the ticket office. (I didn't manage)
I prefer to go by myself. (I would rather)
She said she wouldn't see him again. (She refused)
I can play chess. (I've learnt)


15

The Morphological Categories of the Infinitive

Join the beginning and end of the sentences using the marker TO where necessary.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

The coffee isn't strong enough
1have never known him
The captain was the last
You must
The murderer is said
1am ready to do anything but
Why don't you do something useful like
He got up very early in order
1was too terrified
Is there any milk
1meant

12.
13.
14.
15.

Would you be so kind as
Her ambition is
She would rather die than
Who was the first person

a.

b.
c.
d.
e.
f.
(TO)

g
h.
i.
jk.

leave the ship.
make a brilliant career.
work on a farm.
have time to pack.
put on the cornflakes?
have telephoned you, but 1forgot.
pay for a drink himself.
be hiding in the woods near your house.
move.
have annoyed your sister yesterday.
lend me your umbrella?

climb Everest without oxygen?
m. marry a penniless man.
n keep us awake.
0 . clean the flat?
1.

Щ

Find and correct the errors if there are any.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

Did you feel the earth move?
She liked this kind of thing. Some people pretended not.
This skirt needs be cleaned.
You look tired. Why not to take a holiday?
Could you help me to unload the car?
Are you and Gillian getting married? — We hope.
You ought have spared her feelings.

We had nothing to do except to look at the cinema posters.
The teacher had us to learn a long poem by heart.
They were heard to ask the policeman for directions.
Robert seems have been working on the same project for ages.
I was made look stupid at yesterday's meeting.
Writers write not because they have to but because they wish.
The visitors were allowed take pictures in the gallery.
The white yacht was seen leave the harbor and disappear in the distance.
This expensive medicine is not be found anywhere.
I couldn't but to take the abandoned kitten home.
We like machines that think but are afraid of people who try.


English Grammar Practice

16
Translate the parts given in brackets into English.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

14.
15.
16.
17.

(Мне пришлось) put off my trip till next summer.
(Вам бы лучше) warn them against going there alone.
(Позволь мне) take this decision on my own.
(Им ничего не оставалось как) agree to their daughter's wedding.
The child (заставили) tidy his room up.
Are you interested in going to University? — (Да, мне бы хотелось.)
You (следует) respect elderly people.
(Почему бы не) get a take-away meal tonight for a change?
She (должна была позвонить) me two hours ago. Something terrible (должно быть,
случилось).
(Я не могла не заметить) her new hair colour and trendy clothes.
He (предпочел бы поехать) to ski in the Alps last winter than (лететь) to the Maldives.
I noticed George (вздохнул с облегчением) after he read the letter.
I would sooner recycle our rubbish (чем покупать) non-recyclable goods.
Why can't you go with us? — (Мне не разрешают.)
George (помог мне) investigate the matter.
I (пожалуй) have a cup of camomile tea before going to bed.
Would you be so helpful as (чтобы поднести) this heavy bag for me?

Translate the sentences into English. Pay attention to the marker TO.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.

Разреши Марку помочь мне написать сочинение.
Вы, должно быть, приняли его за кого-то другого.
Тебе бы лучше не вмешиваться в это дело.
Я почувствовал, как мое сердце дрогнуло.
Боюсь, я не смогу прийти. Но я постараюсь.
Почему бы не устроить вечеринку в его честь?
Было слышно, как ребенок разбил что-то в детской.
Вам, возможно, придется прийти завтра.
Им ничего не оставалось делать, как ждать утреннего поезда.
Ты не подписал свой тест. — Да, я забыл.
Я не могу заставить себя попробовать это блюдо.
Он предпочел бы вчера промолчать.
Она заметила, как симпатичный незнакомец подмигнул ей.
Как ты смеешь называть меня обманщиком?
Я не слышал, как ты вошла в комнату.
Зачем притворяться, что тебе все равно?

Одеяло нужно постирать сегодня.
Почему ты с ним не танцевала? — Он меня не попросил.


The Syntactic Functions of the Infinitive

17

THE SYNTACTIC FUNCTIONS OF THE INFINITIVE
In linguistics, syntactic functions refer to constituents in a sentence - subjects, predicates, objects,
attributes, etc. - and relationships between them. The ways in which infinitives function in sentences
reflect their verbal and nominal characteristics. '
Ш Syntactically, the verbal character of the infinitive is expressed in its combinability.
(a) Infinitives can be modified by adverbials.
I am afraid I cannot drive faster.
We are not prepared to wait any longer.
(b) infinitives can take prepositional objects.
He was taught to l o ^ afterhlmself.
(c) Infinitives of transitive verbs can take direct objects.
He seemed to know everything.

ffl Infinitives manifest their nominal character when they are used as subjects, predicatives, objects4.
To love is to receive a glimpse of heaven, [a subject]
Our aim is to succeed, [a predicative]
Was Arabic very difficult to learn? [part of a predicative]
I promise to wait, [an object]
Ш Infinitives can perform their syntactic functions alone or in combination with other words. They
may form:
• infinitive phrases that operate as one syntactic whole. Thus, we find phrasal subjects, phrasal
predicatives, phrasal objects, phrasal attributes and phrasal adverbials. A phrasal part of

the sentence can also be expressed by a conjuctive infinitive phrase, often referred to as a
wh-phrases. This phrase is introduced by a conjuctive pronoun or adverb: who, what, where,
when, whether, how (long/ much) and tne like.
To study languages has been his long cherished dream, [a phrasal subject]
Where to ao was a mistery. [a phrasal subject]
A victory you can get over the enemy is to beat him at politeness, [a phrasal predicative]
The problem was what to tell Alice and where to ao. [a phrasal predicative]
Never advise anyone to ao to war or to marry, [a phrasal object]
He didn't know what to sav. [a phrasal object]
4

For details see THE INFINITIVE AS A SUBJECT, THE INFINITIVE ASA Predicate and THE INFINITIVE AS A OBJECT.


English Grammar Practice

18

The best way to predict the future is to invent it. [a phrasal attribute]
Cats are intended to teach us. [a phrasal adverbial]
•

predicative complexes that operate as one syntactic whole. We find complex subjects, complex
predicates, complex objects, complex attributes and complex adverbials. Predicative constructions
with the infinitives are discussed at greater length later in this book.5
For a woman to know everything about her children is natural, [a complex subject]
This problem is not for me to solve, [a complex predicate]
Everybody saw Janet leave, didn't they? [a complex object]
There is so much for a visitor to see in Prague, [a complex attribute]
He stepped aside for me to pass, [a complex adverbial]

THE INFINITIVE AS A SUBJECT
To love and be loved is to fe e l the sun from both sides.

David Viscott
It is possible to store the m ind with a million fa cts and
still be entirely uneducated.

Alec Bourne
Ш Infinitive subjects follow two patterns. In pattern 1 the infinitive subject is placed first. Starting a
sentence with a to-infinitive is more common in formal, written English.
To compromise appears advisable.
= Идти на компромиссы кажется разумным.
То have made the same mistake was unforgivable.
= To, что была сделана та же ошибка, было непростительно.
Pattern 2 is characteristic of everyday language. The infinitive subject is introduced by a formal
subject IT. Semantically, the subject that is moved to the end of the sentence is slightly more
accentuated. It here is known as the introductory IT.
It appears advisable to compromise.
= Идти на компромиссы кажется разумным.
It was unforgivable to have made the same mistake.
= To, что было сделана та же ошибка, было непростительно.
It was nice of her to take care of mv flowers.
= Cee стороны было мило заботиться о моих цветах.

5

For details see PREDICATIVE COMPLEXES WITH THE INFINITIVE.

The Syntactic Functions of the infinitive

19

IMPORTANT! Interrogative sentences follow pattern 2.
Would it be safe to camp here?
= Было ли бы безопасно разбить здесь лагерь?
Ш Any form of the infinitive can be used to express the subject.
It was my intention to show her the change in our city.
It was a pleasure to be listening to you.
It seemed incredible to have completed so much within such a short time.
It must be nice to have been rowing for hours.
It was surprising to be recognized after years of absence.
It was a shock for him to have been questioned in such a way.
ffl If there are two or more homogeneous infinitive subjects in a sentence, all of them keep the
marker TO.
It was difficult to do nothing about it. to tell nobody of it and to foraet it all.

Ш Structurally, the infinitive subjects can be
• simple - expressed by a single infinitive.
To understand is to forgive.
• phrasal - expressed by (a) an infinitive phrase or (b) a conjunctive infinitive phrase.
(a) To ask him aaain was impossible.
(b) Where to ao was a mystery.
• complex - expressed by a predicative construction with an infinitive. 6
For him to earn bread was a problem.
She was heard to olav the guitar in the garden

Ш The predicate of an infinitive subject takes the form of the third person singular.
To talk to him bores us.

To be recognized was a joy.

6

Complex subjects are discussed at greater length later in the book. For a more detailed analysis see THE FOR-TOINFINITIVE CONSTRUCTION and THE SUBJECTIVE INFINITIVE CONSTRUCTION.


English Grammar Practice

20

PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Translate into Russian and comment on the form of the infinitives.
A.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.

To go out alone in the middle of the night is risky.
It is strange to see you alone.

It would be wrong to be showing these letters around.
It's nice of him to be interested in my affairs.
To die is nothing; but it is terrible not to live.
To have given up after such hard work seems a shame.
To find them in so short a time would have beennext to impossible.
The girl was only four but it delighted us to be talking with her.
'It's a shame to have woken you up/ said Sally stepping in.
'That would be a good idea/ she said. 'It's so clever of you to have thought of it.'
It was exciting to be discovering new things every day.
Everybody liked Sally. It was a treat to be talking to her and to be charmed by her smile.
To have met Billie there was bad enough, but to have been noticed by Ann was even
worse.
14. Mike related the story for the sixteenth time. It was a pleasure to have found a listener
and to be listened to.

B.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

15.

It is strange to be known so universally and yet to be so lonely.
It is better to have loved and lost than never to have loved at all.
It is tedious to be thinking about it all the time.
When guns speak it is too late to argue.
To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer.
It sounds strange to have been living in a town for ten years and not to be able to find
the right street.
It is difficult to make predictions, especially about the future.
It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.
Is it so small a thing to have enjoyed the sun, to have loved, to have thought, to have
hoped?
It is possible to fail in many ways...while to succeed is possible only in one way.
Whether they give or refuse, it delights people just the same to have been asked.
Oh, it is excellent to have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant.
It is a good rule in life never to apologize. The right sort of people do not want apologies,
and the wrong sort do not deserve them.
It is absurd to divide people into good or bad. People are either charming or tedious.
Sleep is lovely, death is better still, not to have been bom is the miracle.


21

The Syntactic Functions of the Infinitive

Match the parts of the sentences.
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

It is a great ability
It takes two
It's a lady's privilege
It is useless
It is bad luck
It is easy
It feels strange
It's terrible

a)
b)
c)
d)
e)
f)
g)
h)

to be accused of a murder you didn't commit.
to be able to conceal one's ability.
to be superstitious.
to change her mind.
to flog a dead horse.
to make a quarrel.

to be brave from a safe distance.
to be called the Queen.

Paraphrase sentences according to the examples given.

Ex. 16
Model:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

I can't believe what he says, (hard) -> It is hard to believe what he says.
I couldn't refuse his invitation. (impossible)
We were taken to the Zoo. (fun)
Translating this text may present difficulties, (difficult)
Everybody was surprised to see her again, (surprise)
I was delighted when we had made it up finally, (delightful)
Don't phone Bob. He is sleeping already, (too late)

Whenever you have to look after children, you feel tired, (tiring)
We were horrified when we had our first quarrel, (horrible)
When we were soaring like birds in the white sky, we felt excited, (exciting)
I was annoyed when I had lost my key again, (annoying)
Worrying where the children might be is nightmarish, (nightmare)
When we took off our wet boots, we felt relieved, (relief)
It's no use discussing it. (useless)
If you break a mirror, you will be unlucky, (bad luck)
I dread being alone in such a place, (dreadful)

Ex. 17

Combine the sentences so as to use infinitives as subjects.

Model:

She helped us. It was so kind.
It was kind of her to help us.
He came withoutflowers. What a mistake! -> It was a mistake to have come withoutflowers.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

Don't eat too much. It is an unhealthy habit.
I forgot everything I knew. It's a disaster!
We were crossing the river on a tiny boat. It was dangerous.

They left the bicycles outside. It is so silly of them!
Why did he make that remark? It was so rude!
You should go by train. Trains are safer than airplanes.


English Grammar Practice

22
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

Why did we believe them? We were so silly.
He didn't contribute anything. It is so selfish.
Why don't you want to accept their offer? It would be foolish.
You say you found the house empty? — Yes, it was so odd.
We were sitting there silently for an hour. It seemed so natural.
You have to work on Sundays? — It's almost a crime!
He pulled strings to get Mrs Worting dismissed. It is so mean of him.
He recognized me after all these years. What a joy!
Why are you wasting your time like that? It doesn't do you any good.
He was making strange remarks through the interview. It was unbecoming of him.

Change the sentences using the continuous infinitive, the passive and perfect forms
of the infinitive. Use the words in bold type as prompts.

Ex. 18
Models:

I was pleased that I was introduced to you.
pleasure -> It was a pleasure to be introduced to you.
I have been working with you for five years.
honour -> It's an honour to have been working with you for five years.

1.

I felt delight when I was finally noticed.
delightful ........................................................................................................
2. You feel awful when you are judged so negatively.
feels..................................................................................................................
3. I have been invited to their party. I am truly surprised.
is.......................................................................................................................
4. He has been living in fear for such a long time.
awful................................................................................................................
5. So, you have been given a second chance... You may consider yourself lucky,
great luck.........................................................................................................
6. We were caught in a trap. Believe me, it's terrible.
caught...............................................................................................................
7. Everybody has forgotten me. It is so convenient.
been..................................................................................................................
8. I have been having this splitting headache for two days. I can't bear it any more,
unbearable.......................................................................................................
9. This thought haunted me for years. It is a strange feeling.

have..................................................................................................................
10. She has been through hard times, and now nobody offers her any help. It's unthinkable!
offered..............................................................................................................
11. We were wandering in the forest for two days. It was a nightmare!
be......................................................................................................................
12. It can't be chickenpox! Is it possible that their diagnosis is wrong?
misdiagnosed with..........................................................................................


The Syntactic Functions of the Infinitive___________________________________________________________ 23

13. We lost to a worthy rival. It is not a failure.
lost...........................................

I

Complete the following using infinitives as subjects.

1.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.

It's a silly superstition....
It's beyond my powers....
It's out of the question....

It pays... .
It's no big deal....
It's no laughing matter....
It's a man-sized job... .

8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

It's a rigid must....
It's no picnic....
It's not cricket....
It's sheer madness....
It's unfeminine....
It's something....
It's very shabby of you.

Translate the sentences using the phrases from exercise 19.

Ex. 20
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.

Быть во главе большого коллектива что-то да значит.
И речи быть не может о том, чтобы продать дом.
Нечестно пытаться получить повышение таким способом.
Нужно обязательно помогать друзьям в беде.
Бояться черных кошек — глупые предрассудки.
Получить выговор — не повод для смеха.
Помыть машину особого труда не представляет.
Просто сумасшествие гулять босиком в такую погоду.
С твоей стороны очень некрасиво было не пригласить их в дом.
Снести эту стену по плечу только мужчине.
Ты считаешь, что женщине не пристало заниматься боксом?
Я не в силах этого понять.
Всегда имеет смысл планировать заранее.
Не так-то просто вести машину всю ночь.

| Translate the fragments given in brackets using infinitives as subjects.

Ex. 21
1.
2.
3.

4.
5.
6.
7.
8.

When the stomach is full, (легко говорить о диете).
(Лучше знать) some of the questions than alf of the answers.
(Было ужасно вставать с постели) in that kind of "sleep-in" weather.
(Лучше спросить дорогу) than go astray.
(Глупо наказывать соседей) by fire when you live next door.
(Бесполезно винить) the looking glass if your face is awry.
(Выгодно казаться глупым) if one is wise.
(Понимать, что нужно делать, и не делать этого) is lack of courage.


English Grammar Practice

24
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.

(Невозможно перемещаться) fasterthan the speed of light, and certainly not desirable,
as one's hat keeps blowing off.

(Тяжело создать хороший фильм) when every twelve minutes it is interrupted by
twelve dancing rabbits singing about toilet paper.
(Никогда не бывает слишком поздно отказаться от) our prejudices.
(Воспринимать его всерьез и следовать его советам) was absurd.
(Невозможно наслаждаться) idling thoroughly unless one has plenty of work to do.
(Лучше молчать и считаться глупцом) than to speak out and remove all doubt.
Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, (пора остановиться и
обдумать это).
(Вечно планировать) to make a better life but never to find time for it is like putting off
eating and drinking and sleeping until you're dead.

Щ

Translate the sentences using infinitives as subjects.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Учиться никогда не поздно.
Проще простить врага, чем друга.
Приятно, что я оказался вам полезен.
Восстановить дворец стоило бы больших денег.
Было бы неправильно не предупредить их.
Идти в кино было слишком поздно.
Бесполезно было пытаться сделать это за один день.
Быть другом требует времени.
Моей обязанностью было готовить чай по утрам и вечерам.
Так приятно, когда тебе, наконец, дали отпуск.
Тяжело жить с людьми, которых любишь, и не давать им советы.
Ничего не делать — это одно из самых сложных занятий.
Давать советы всегда глупо, но еще глупее давать полезные советы.
В настоящем жить сложно, а в прошлом — невозможно.
Полезно, когда вам напоминают о ваших достижениях.