Syntactic functions of the infinitive in English. Infinitive in English (The Infinitive)
You need to focus on several parameters - the structure of the sentence (the relationship of the words in it), the meaning of the sentence and, in some cases, typical “pointers” in the sentence.
Often it helps to simply ask a question. Let's look at how to use all these parameters when defining specific functions.
subject. The easiest way to determine it is if the infinitive is at the beginning of the sentence: To live is to create. To understand her better was what he wanted. It is a little more difficult to do this in cases where the sentence begins with an introductory IT– It is nice to see you here. In this case, the formal subject is “it”, and the semantic subject is to see you here. Why? Let's ask a question. What is nice? We answer. To see you here is nice. But according to the rules of practical grammar, it is customary to say it is nice you see here, that is, to begin a sentence not with a three-dimensional structure in the form of an infinitive, but with an introductory pronoun in order to put the infinitive at the end, in a stronger semantic position. More examples – It is wonderful to watch the sunset. It is a shame to wear these clothes. Everywhere you can ask – What is wonderful? What is a shame? That is, in these sentences the subject will be and it(formal subject) and infinitives – to watch…., to wear…. . And the rest of “is wonderful”, “is a shame” are predicates (compound nouns). Sometimes it is difficult to recognize this structure in questions. Is it necessary to punish children? for convenience, simply return the sentence to the affirmative form “It is necessary to punish children.” And follow the logic described above.
Predicate = predicate. Infinitives, gerunds and participles NEVER are not predicates, since these are impersonal forms. Non-finite forms do not have person, number, tense, etc., so they simply cannot serve as the main verb in a sentence.
Part of a compound nominal predicate = predicative. For example, His task is to work with the papers. My aim is to make you happy. To learn a language is to take effort. Since any impersonal form (infinitive, gerund and participle) is a dual form, that is, it is similar to both a verb and a noun (adjective), then in this case the infinitive must be perceived as a noun or an adjective. That is, we can say His task is difficult. Then it is immediately clear that “is difficult” is a predicate - a compound nominal predicate (linking verb + noun or adjective). We substitute instead difficult some infinitive, for example, to work with the papers, the predicate remains the same. That is, the whole thing is called a compound nominal predicate, and the infinitive will be its part, which in English is called a predicative. Usually a similar phenomenon will occur after the verb to be(or a similar linking verb). It was a structured approach. By meaning such sentences will be descriptive in nature. That is, in the above examples, the meaning of the sentence is to reveal the essence of the subject, that is, “What is his task?”, “What is my goal?” and so on. Carefully! Do not confuse this function with the definition function. In function attribute The infinitive must appear directly next to the noun. And in these sentences the infinitive is SEPARATED from the noun to which it actually has a semantic relationship, using a verb to be. If we say that the infinitives in these examples are definitions, then the question arises, where is the predicate?
Infinitive as “part of part of a compound nominal predicate”. It sounds better in English part of the predicative. for example, The grass is soft to walk on. The book is difficult to read. He is easy to deal with. In these sentences (let’s look at the first one), the entire predicate is “is soft to walk on” – verb to be + adjective + infinitive. Let us now separate its part from the predicate, that is, the predicative, what remains is “soft to walk on”. We now also separate the infinitive (we are interested precisely in its function), it turns out that it is part of predicative, that is part of the predicative. Honestly, it's better to just memorize this structure. That is, pay attention to sentences with the verb to be+adjective+infinitive. Here is the infinitive part of the predicative.
NB! be sure to differentiate the terms predicate– predicate, predicative– nominal part of the predicate
Infinitive as part of a compound verbal predicate. Term predicative no longer applies here, since predicative- this is part compound NOMINAL predicate(after the linking verb to be). In English this function will be “ part of compound verbal predicate" Here the situation is complicated by the fact that the compound verbal predicate is of two types - modal And aspectual. What it is? 1) Modal verb predicate by definition must contain a modal verb or modal expression. For example, The boy must study hard. “Must study” is a modal verbal predicate, and the infinitive study is part of it (here the infinitive is without the particle “to”, but it still remains an infinitive). And with other modal verbs – He had to leave early. He might call you. He ought to be ashamed. Infinitives here can be of different types - both the continuous infinitive and the perfect infinitive. This does not affect the function, it remains the same - part of the compound verbal predicate. For example, We must have forgotten about your request. She may be reading in the garden. 2) Now about aspect predicate. Such a predicate must necessarily contain verbs denoting the beginning of an action (to begin, to start and their synonyms) or the continuation of an action (to continue, to keep, to go on and their synonyms) or the end of an action (to finish, to stop, to end and their synonyms). For example, he began to speak about his misfortunes, It started to rain. These predicates (in bold) are aspectual compound verbal predicates, since they contain the above verbs. And the infinitive will, accordingly, be part of them. Most often, this function will appear in the gerund, because most of these verbs require a gerund after themselves (to keep doing, to go on doing, to stop doing). In English this function is called either part of aspect compound verbal predicate, or part of perspective compound verbal predicate. It is the same.
3) The modal and aspectual verbal predicate can occur within the same form. For example, He must have begun to work on his report. There is a modal verb, a verb “to begin”, and an infinitive. It turns out that the infinitive is part of the modal aspectual verbal predicate - part of modal aspect compound verbal predicate.
Further. Infinitive in role additions – object. The easiest function to define. The infinitive must appear AFTER any VERB and answer the question “what?” (which is logical, because any addition behaves like this - “completes the verb” and answers the question “what”). for example, He wants to sleep. He wants “what/what?” - sleep. He knows how to make you happy. He knows "what?" - how to make you happy. Here the infinitive was a direct object, that is, without a preposition. I ask you to leave. I like to be with you. I hate to admit my failure. Everywhere the infinitive answers the question “what” and is an object. It is a little more difficult to determine this function when we are not dealing with a verb plus an infinitive, but with an adjective or participle + infinitive. For example, I’m not ashamed to speak about him in this way. The child was afraid to enter the room. Here the Russian translation can distract from the truth. Therefore, it is better to think and translate more literally “I am not ashamed of “what” - to talk about it ...”, “was the child afraid of what? - enter the room." All these infinitives are also objects. By the way, not only in structure, but also in meaning. If you stop in the middle of a sentence, it will be unclear - he wants, I like, I’m not ashamed, I’m afraid. What does a person want, fear, or be ashamed of? That is, the addition in the form of an infinitive continues the thought of the verb and is closely connected with it.
There is also a phenomenon formal addition as a pronoun it. We have already seen it when discussing the function of the subject. The essence here is the same. For example, This money made it possible to hire the best teachers for him. Let's ask a question. What did money make possible? Hire the best teachers. That is, the pronoun is also an object it(it will be a formal object) and infinitive to hire the best teachers(this is a semantic addition). From a practical point of view, we cannot put the infinitive in place it, as logic requires - *This money is made to hire the best teachers for him possible (you can't say that). Therefore, we move the infinitive to the last place in the sentence, and in its place we put it, which will indicate that “the infinitive itself will soon appear.”
Infinitive as a definition of attribute. There is often confusion in words attribute And attributive. The word itself attribute is a noun and attributive- adjective. That is, we can say that the infinitive is used in the function of an attribute or in the attributive function(it will be the same). For example, I didn’t accept his offer to work for his company. I didn’t accept his offer - what offer? - work for his company. The definition answers the question “which?” and reveals the meaning of the preceding noun or pronoun. The infinitive must appear immediately next to the noun or verb it refers to. More examples: I didn’t like his idea to go to the cinema. What's the idea? The idea of going to the cinema. That is, the infinitive reveals the essence of the noun “idea”. Without an infinitive, it will not be clear what is behind this word, what idea is meant. Examples: Where are the papers to be sent? (what papers? that need to be sent). She was given a form to fill in. (which form? that she had to fill out) There is no time to lose (there is no time? that can be lost). It's a little more complicated when the infinitive refers to pronouns, for example: I have something to tell you. To tell you refers to something and reveals its meaning. I have something - “what something?” (you can conditionally ask the question) - and the infinitive explains what kind of something it is. Same thing: I have nothing to tell you. Do you have anything to say? He had nowhere to go (nowhere=no place). I need somebody to help me. There was nobody to turn to. Separately, you should remember this model - to be the first/second/third/last/the only one to do something. For example, She was the first to come to the office. He was the first African to receive a Nobel Prize. He is always the last to leave the office. In these cases, the infinitive acts as a definition.
Infinitive as an adverbial modifier. There are different types of circumstances. For the infinitive, the following types are relevant: adverbial modifier of comparison, adverbial modifier of purpose, adverbial modifier of result, adverbial modifier of attendant circumstances. In the case of circumstances, you need to focus on meaning of the sentence and some pointers.
The simplest types of circumstances from the point of view of defining a function are circumstance of comparison and circumstance of purpose. In the case of a comparison circumstance, you need to focus on the so-called “markers-indicators” in the sentence - as if or as though. For example, He opened his mouth as if to say something. He made a gesture as if to frighten me away. The circumstance of purpose is simply recognized because of the obviousness of its meaning - “For what purpose the action was done.” He rose to greet me“He stood up to greet me. He went to the kitchen to bring me some juice(To bring). Sometimes a sentence may also contain auxiliary words, such as in order to: He bought a car in order to get to the office more quickly.
Adverbial modifier of result you need to learn to feel both in meaning and focusing on such indicators as “ too”, “enough”, “so+adjective+ as to”, “such as to”. For example, He was too young to get married. He was too young, and as a result, it was not desirable for him to marry. I’m experienced enough to take decisions. I have enough experience, and as a result, I can make decisions. The wind was so strong as to blow off the roofs. The wind was so strong that, as a result, the roofs of houses were torn off. His strength was such as to let him lift huge weights. His strength was such that, as a result, he could lift weights. If you don’t really feel the meaning of this function, then it’s better to focus on the “pointer” words listed above.
The most difficult to recognize is usually considered adverbial modifier of attendant circumstances. Here you need to analyze the meaning of the sentence. Let's start with bright examples. He went to Africa to die of malaria. Did he specifically go to Africa to die from malaria? No. That is, this is not the goal. Did he go and, as a result, die of malaria? Also no. Africa is dangerous, but not with a 100% guarantee of death. He went to Africa and died of malaria - that's the point. That is, the infinitive expresses one more, additional, action in the sentence. Therefore, the function is called the function of accompanying actions. Often in such sentences the infinitive also introduces the meaning of “surprise” of the second action. One morning he awoke to find himself famous. Did you wake up on purpose to become famous? No, that's not the goal. Became famous as a consequence of being woke? Neither did J He woke up and discovered (unexpectedly) that he was famous. Two actions in one sentence. More examples – He went out in the street to see it was deserted. He returned home to find that his flat had been burgled. The boy looked up to see a stranger above him. He went outside and saw, returned home and found, looked up and saw. Often infinitives will be verbs such as to find, to discover, to see, to notice, to learn. Sometimes you can see the adverb only before the infinitive – He sent her a letter only to learn that she had got married. He sent a letter and found out that she got married. Only brings the meaning of the fatality of the action, gives it a negative, “pessimistic” connotation. You might want to take a look at a couple of exercises related to this function.
Infinitive, or indefinite form verb, refers to the impersonal forms of the verb and combines the properties of a verb and a noun. The infinitive answers the questions “what to do?”, “what to do?”: to read - read, to write - write, to learn - learn, to remember - remember, to promise - promise etc.
The formal sign of the infinitive is the particle to, which comes before it. In some cases the to particle is omitted.
The Indefinite Infinitive Active is the only simple form of the infinitive.
I want to play chess.
I want to play chess.
All other forms are complex, as they are formed using the auxiliary verbs to be, to have and participle.
Rules for the formation and use of the infinitive in English
1. Indefinite Infinitive Active is formed from the stem of a verb with the particle to (for example, to write) and is used to express an action that occurs simultaneously with the action expressed by the predicate verb, in the present, past and future tense or regardless of the time of its occurrence.
I am glad to hear it. I'm glad to hear that.
He wanted to play chess. He wanted to play chess.
I shall hope to see you tomorrow. I hope to see you tomorrow.
To swim is pleasant. It's nice to swim.
Indefinite Infinitive Passive is formed using the auxiliary verb to be + 3rd form of the verb (Participle II) (for example, to be written) and is used to express an action simultaneous with the action expressed by the predicate verb.
Didn't want her article to be translated.
He wanted her article to be translated (= to have her article translated).
2. Continuous Infinitive Active is formed using the auxiliary verb to be + Participle I of the semantic verb (for example, to be writing) and is used to express a long-term action that occurs simultaneously with the action expressed by the predicate verb. This form is often used after verbs to seem, to appear - seem and after auxiliary verbs.
Doesn't seem to be writing much. He seems to write a lot.
Doesn't seem to be waiting for us. It seems (that) he is waiting for us.
3. Perfect Continuous Infinitive Active is formed using the auxiliary verb to be in the Perfect Infinitive (to have been) + Participle I of the semantic verb (=ing form) - (for example, to have been writing) - and expresses a continuous action preceding the action expressed by the predicate verb.
He is reported to have been writing a new novel.
They say he writes new novel. (They are reporting now, but he started writing a new novel before that, so the verb to write is used in the Perfect Continuous Infinitive Active.)
4. Perfect Infinitive Active is formed using the auxiliary verb to have + Participle II of the semantic verb (for example, to have written).
Perfect Infinitive Passive is formed using the auxiliary verb to be in the Perfect Infinitive (to have been) + Participle II of the semantic verb (for example, to have been written).
Perfect Infinitive (Active, Passive) is used:
1. To express an action preceding an action expressed by a predicate verb.
Not said to have won the Olympic Gold (medal).
He is said to have won a gold medal at the Olympic Games.
She seems to have forgotten about our request.
It seems she forgot about our request.
2. After the modal verbs should, would, ought to, could, might to express an unfulfilled moral duty or obligation.
Not should have helped her.
He should have helped her but he didn't).
You ought to have congratulated him with the defense of his thesis.
You should congratulate him on defending his dissertation.
3. After was, were to express unfulfilled plans and contracts.
The school was to have been ready by the 1st of September, but it is still only half finished.
The school was supposed to be ready by September 1, but it is still only half ready.
4. After the modal verbs must, may to express assumptions, conclusions.
Not must have read this book. He must have read this book.
She may have married. She may have gotten married.
He must have come this way. Here are his footprints.
He must have come this way. Here are his traces.
5. After verbs to hope ( hope), to expect ( expect), to want ( want), to intend ( mean) to express an action that, contrary to hope and expectation, did not take place.
She hoped to have met a good man.
She hoped to meet a good man ( but didn't meet).
He intended to have put up an advertisement yesterday.
He intended to make the announcement yesterday ( but didn't).
Infinitive with the particle to
1. The infinitive is usually used with the particle to: to read, to write, to work. But if in a sentence there are two infinitives next to each other, connected by the conjunction and or or, then the particle to is usually omitted before the second infinitive.
She decided to go and buy something for supper.
She decided to go and buy something for dinner.
2. The particle to is sometimes used at the end of a sentence without a verb. This is done to avoid repeating the same verb in the same sentence. This use of the particle to usually occurs after the verbs to wish - want, to want - want, to try - try, to allow - allow, to have to - be to and etc.
I didn’t want to take a taxi but I had to(take one) as I was late.
I didn’t want to take a taxi, but I had to (take a taxi) because I was late.
He wished to go but he wasn’t able to.
He wanted to go, but was not able (could not go).
Did you get a ticket? -Did you get a ticket? -
No, I tried to, but there weren’t any left.
No. I tried, but there was not a single ticket left.
3. After verbs to be, to have used as modal verbs, the particle to is added.
I am to meet him here.
I must meet him here.
Not has to do it in September.
He should do this in September.
4. After the words the first, the second… the last, the only.
He loves parties: he is always the first to come and the last to leave.
He loves parties: he is always the first to arrive and the last to leave.
Infinitive without particle to
1. After auxiliary and modal verbs.
Not can play chess. He plays (can play) chess.
We shall go by foot there. We'll go there on foot.
2. After the verbs to make - force, to let - allow and sometimes after to help - to help.
She made him give up smoking. She made him quit smoking.
I let him read this book. I allowed him to read (read) this book.
3. After the verbs to see - see, to hear - hear, to feel - feel, to watch - observe, to make - force and some others in the phrase “Objective case with infinitive”.
I heard her leave the house.
I heard her leave the house.
They made us work all night long.
They made us work all night.
BUT: If the verbs listed in the 2nd and 3rd paragraphs are used in the passive voice, then the infinitive that follows them is used with the particle to.
Not was made to open the door.
He was forced to open the door.
She was seen to go to the institute.
We saw her go to college.
4. After the expressions had better - better be, would rather, would sooner - would prefer...(would) rather.
You had better talk to the doctor.
You'd better talk to your doctor.
I would rather see him alone.
I'd rather see him alone.
Prepositions of place in English language: above, after, among, at, before, behind, below, between, beside, by, in, in front of, inside, near, next to, on, opposite, outside, round, under.
The infinitive has the properties of a verb (see forms of the infinitive) and a noun. This is manifested in the functions of the infinitive in a sentence.
As a rule, the infinitive is conveyed into Russian by an infinitive form of a verb, a verbal noun, and in some of its functions, a predicate verb.
e.g. To understand that period of history is very important.
Understanding (understanding) this historical period is very important.
e.g. This student is usually the first to answer questions.
This student usually answers questions first.
In a sentence, the infinitive has the functions of the subject, part of the predicate, definition, circumstances (goals and consequences). In addition, the infinitive can be an introductory member of a sentence.
1. Subject (transmitted into Russian by an indefinite form of a verb or a verbal noun).
The sentence structure in this case is of two types:
a) P (infinitive) + Verb.
e.g. To take part in discussions is useful.
It is useful to take part in discussions.
b) It (formal P) + Say. + P (infinitive)
Note: the formal subject “it” is not translated, the translation begins with the predicate.
e.g. It is useful to take part in discussions.
It is useful to take part in discussions.
Exercise 1 . Translate the sentences.
1. To preserve a literary tradition under these circumstances was doubly difficult and it was not preserved.
2. It is usually possible to get a seat in the Strangers' Gallery of the House of Lords at any time, but it is not so easy to get into the House of Commons Gallery, particularly in the summer, when London is full of visitors .
3. Mary Stuart was detained in various castles for almost twenty years, since to have restored her to her throne by force was impossible politically and to have handed her over to the Scots for execution unthinkable treachery.
4. It is not at all easy to classify or analyze parliamentary questions.
5. To say that mind does not exist in abstraction from body is not, however, to say that mental processes do not exist.
6. It is only possible to vote at the polling station appropriate to one’s address.
7. To have overburdened the book with so many details would tire the reader.
8. It would not be easy to talk in general terms about Europe as a unit, with its differences of climate and culture.
9. The second, more serious objection still remains: the system of writing cannot adequately express the whole range of human thought; and to do so even partially will require thousands of characters.
10. In most cases it is fairly easy to imagine a typical American.
11. It is only partly true to say that French history belongs to the French people, British to the British people.
12. It does not take much imagination to think of the courage and other admirable qualities needed by the early settlers.
II. Part of the predicate
Since the infinitive does not have a tense category, it forms a predicate only with the help of another verb indicating the time of the entire predicate.
There are three types of predicate with infinitive.
1) linking verb “to be” (in the right tense) + infinitive
In this case, “to be” is translated into Russian with the words “to be, to be, to mean, to consist of (to), to consist of (to)”; The infinitive is translated into Russian either by an indefinite form of a verb or by a verbal noun.
e.g. The duty of a historian is to describe events of the past and to foresee the future.
The historian's duty is to describe the events of the past and foresee the future (consists of describing the past and foreseeing the future).
e.g. His desire was to be sent to the congress.
His desire was to be sent to the congress.
2) verb indicating the nature of the action + infinitive.
The first part of such a predicate is represented by verbs that, without an infinitive, do not have a complete meaning. These are verbs like to begin, to continue, to finish, to cease, to want, to intend, to plan, to be going, to like, to hope, to promise, to decide, to try and etc.
e.g. Nobody likes to be interrupted.
Nobody likes to be interrupted.
e.g. I hoped to have Professor Smith as my supervisor.
I hoped that Professor Smith would be my supervisor.
e.g. William was ready to fight for the throne.
William was ready to fight for the throne.
WITH
to be inclined towards something strive to do something tend towards something
to go + infinitive
to tend + infinitive
Sometimes these verbs are omitted when translating the predicate, and the infinitive is translated into Russian by the verb in the tense in which the entire predicate stands.
e.g. All this goes to demonstrate your mistake.
All this points to your mistake (seeks to point out).
e.g. Such historians tend to exaggerate this factor.
Such historians tend to exaggerate this factor (usually they exaggerate).
To fail + infinitive– not be able to, not be able to do something; don't do anything
e.g. The authors failed to prove their hypothesis.
Note: noun failure+ the infinitive also means a failed attempt or failure to perform an action.
e.g. Failure to appreciate the great discovery resulted in a new revolution.
Failure to appreciate this great discovery led to a new revolution. (The fact that this great discovery was not appreciated led to a new revolution.)
To neglect + infinitive– not to do something;
forget to do something;
neglect something
e.g. William neglected to take that factor into account.
William forgot to take into account (did not take into account) this factor.
To manage + infinitive- be able to do something;
manage to do something
e.g. When he managed to overcome that difficulty, he gained victory.
When he managed to overcome this difficulty, he won.
usually did something
did something often
usually did something
Used + infinitive
Would + infinitive(without “to”)
e.g. Such invasions would occur in the XI century.
Such invasions usually took place (often occurred) in the 11th century.
3). Modal verb (or equivalent) + infinitive
e.g. All opinions should be taken into consideration.
All opinions must be taken into account.
e.g. You can rely on this chance.
You can rely on this case.
(You can count on this chance.)
e.g. The fire spread quickly, but everyone was able to escape.
The fire spread quickly, but everyone was able to escape.
Note 1 : you should pay special attention to the equivalents of the modal verb must - the verbs “to be” and “to have”. They also form a predicate with an infinitive, but express different shades of obligation. The infinitive in this case retains the particle “to”.
something has to be done
to be+ infinitive – something must be done
Must+ infinitive = must do something
to have+ infinitive – one has to do something
forced to do something
e.g. At that time England was to become a leading industrial power.
At that time, England was destined to become a leading industrial power.
e.g. Henry VIII did not have to fight for his throne.
Henry VIII did not have to fight for the throne.
Note 2 : predicate represented by a combination to be+ infinitive, can thus have two different meanings:
a) to be + infinitive – to be, to be something;
be to do something
b) to be + infinitive – must, must, is to be, destined to do something
The meaning of such a predicate follows from the context. Compare:
e.g. The aim was to compare the two versions.
The goal was to compare (was to compare) these two versions.
e.g. He was to compare the two versions.
He had to compare these two versions.
Exercise 1 . Translate the following sentences into Russian, paying attention to the infinitive as the nominal part of the compound predicate.
1. The purpose of the experiment was to study the behavior of higher animals under stress. 2. One of the chief mistakes of a research worker is to think that his way of seeking the truth is the only possible one. 3. The aim of psychology is to obtain rules by means of which we can understand and predict human behavior. 4. The task of a scientist is to explain what is, and the task of an engineer is to create what never was. 5. The main role of this organization is to promote international cooperation in science. 6. One of the best ways to win the good will of others is to show interest in what they have to say.
Exercise 2. When translating, pay attention to the tense of the linking verbtobe.
1. Our aim was to include all pertinent information that came to our attention up to October, 31, 1951.
2. The first business of every science is to observe the facts and phenomena with which it has to deal; and to classify and state them methodically.
3. Their method of conquest was to make military roads and to plant along them forts garrisoned by the regular troops.
4. My concern here has been to show that a significant difference separates these two types of methods.
5.The object of this little book will be explained by examples of how the different parts of speech are used and to show from their uses how they should be defined.
6.To assign all the words of English to their original sources is not to determine the mode of their entrance into English.
7.The method of reading was, according to N., to read one row from left to right, then come back reading the next from right to left.
8. In so far as a foreign language coincides with the native language, to study one is to study another.
9. The function of this staff is to maintain the service of books to readers, to assist in finding books and to give advice in problems of research or bibliography.
10. Our task in this case would be to find the original picture.
Exercise 3 . Translate the following sentences into Russian, paying attention to the combination to be going to + infinitive.
Note: Then be going to + infinitive can have the meaning of the future tense, devoid of any additional shades.
1. University work is going to be very difficult for you unless you work out some basic principles of study. 2. This scientific problem is not going to be solved in the twentieth century. 3. University work is going to make heavy demands upon the students. 4. You are going to enjoy this book. It is very interesting and amusing. 5. University teachers are not going to plan your work for you the way school teachers did.
Exercise 4. mania for combining the verb to tend with the infinitive:
Note : The verb to tend in combination with the infinitive means “usually, as a rule.”
1. Social forces tend to regularize individual behavior. 2. Members of the same family tend to have many common features in their behavior. 3. Slow readers tend to comprehend the subject matter better than fast readers. 4. We tend to exaggerate our own troubles and diminish those of others. 5. Dreams tend to be forgotten very soon.
Exercise 5. Translate the following sentences into Russian, paying attentionmania for combining the verb tofailwith infinitive:
Note : The verb to fail with an infinitive can mean failure to perform the action expressed by the infinitive: I fail to understand his behavior. - I can't understand his behavior. This verb can also serve as an indicator of negation devoid of any additional meanings: In his report, he failed to mention some important facts. - In his report he did not mention some important facts.
1. The students failed to translate some sentences because they were too difficult. 2. He had a good memory for detail, but often failed to grasp general principles. 3. Critics of Freud sometimes fail to appreciate the importance of facts discovered by psycho-analysts. 4. I fail to understand why you are always late for classes. 5. She read too much for her age and books for children failed to satisfy her. 6. Some people fail to realize that they have obligations as well as rights. 7.If a scientist has no knowledge of the humanities he fails to see his own branch of science in perspective.8. He kept obstinately to his own point of view and all the arguments of his opponents failed to impress him. 9.Proponents of this theory have so far failed to prove it with facts. 10.The new evidence fails to confirm the results of the previous research. 11. I fail to understand your point of view.
Exercise 6 . Translate the following sentences into Russian, paying attention to noun combinationsfailurewith infinitive:
Note : The noun failure, like the verb to fail in combination with the infinitive, can mean either a failed attempt or a simple negation. When translating a combination with the noun failure, it is convenient to expand it into a subordinate clause: Failure to recognize these factors resulted in serious mistakes. - The failure to recognize these factors led to serious mistakes.
1. Experimental data should be carefully recorded. Failure to do so may greatly distort the results of the experiment. 2. When a teacher is disappointed in his student he is actually disappointed at his own failure to reach his goal. 3. Teenagers are often angry with the adults for their failure to take them seriously. 4. The scientist was frustrated by the government's failure to finance his research project. 5. Failure to appreciate this great discovery retarded the development of science.
Exercise 7 . Give an exact translation of the compound predicate.
1. As the Cave Four material flowed in, it became clear that its bulk was going to surpass by far anything found in the first Gave.
2. Sinan (the ancient Arabian doctor) organized a staff of physicians who would go from place to place carrying drugs and administering relief to ailing people.
3.However, with all his deep sympathy with suffering in any shape or form, the author has somehow failed to reproduce these feelings in his work...
4.The statues which came from the quarry - to be described later - used to stand on a platform about a yard and a half across at the top of the parapet.
5.Athens, though still a center of philosophical study and thought, had ceased to be of any direct importance at that time.
6.The art of picture writing later was developed to a high degree by some American Indian tribes, who would inscribe on the bark of trees complete pictorial histories of their expeditions.
7.The force of this conclusion will be apparent in the following chapter when we come to discuss the problem of invention.
8.Then, when that cave was explored, the party would have to move on to another, perhaps hundreds of feet above or below, and start afresh
9. As time passed, most of the land that was reclaimed on the frontiers gradually came to be held by a few lords. As the nation grew, these reclaimed lands eventually formed the larger part of its area. Then as a reward for service or because of some special influence at court, individuals would be given estates to hand down to their descendants.
10. Then it became clear that ten thousands of pounds were going to be required to save this fabulous library.
11. A year later (1887), Andre Antoine, an amateur actor, founded Le Theater Libre in Paris for the production of new plays which failed to attract the Commercial Theater managers.
12. The business of which he was a director was about to crash.
13. Hugh sent an embassy of twenty four knights to inform the governor that he was about to arrive and repeat his demand for a suitable reception.
14.The knight now attempted to unsheath the sword in his belt, but his arm failed to obey his will, and he fell to the ground.
15.The men used to wear nothing but a wide belt of beaten bark.
16. The stone artifacts fail to show any consistency pattern of fracturing and could easily have been produced by one or more natural forces.
17.Failure to realize this fact has led to many extravagant claims made by some natural forces.
18.These studies could not fail to throw light upon many aspects of history and archeology but their immediate interest lay in what they told about human speech.
19.The pictures which the Egyptians used to record events and to express ideas are called hyeroglyphics.
20.After his failure to relieve Nicae the sultan had withdrawn eastward to gather his own force and to conclude peace and alliance with the Emir.
21.No one, examining the evidence of Greek failure, cultural and social-political, can fail to perceive how closely the two aspects are interwoven.
Exercise 8 . Translate, paying special attention to modalsor verbs similar in meaning, as well as on the forminfinitive.
1. The conference was to take place in London.
2. You will have to overcome many difficulties in your work.
3. They were forced to agree with us.
4.Your friend may not know that we are here.
5.You ought to know this author.
6. Where are these books to be had?
7. Tell him he needs not to be in a hurry.
8. You must hear of him. He is one of the best singers in France.
9. We are obliged to let him know about it.
10. He can't forget my address.
11. The faults of this work are hardly to be denied.
12. This must be the book you were telling me about.
13. This unpleasant meeting is not to be avoided.
14. I felt that something is bound to happen very soon.
16. Nobody was to be seen at the station.
17. He ought to foresee it.
18. He drew the plan of the building more skillfully than any one else could do it.
Exercise 9. Pay attention to the translation of the modal verb.
1. It must be borne in mind that all the rules may have exceptions. 2. It must be added that the minor works are not included here. 3. It cannot be denied that his original work is a success. 4. It is to be remembered that these data come from different sources.
Exercise 10 . When translating, pay attention to the exact meaningmodal verb.
1. If, in the sixty years after 1789, England was to have a revolution on the French model, most Englishmen believed that it would begin in Manchester.
2. The slave-owners in Puerto Rico were obliged to render a monthly report of the number of slaves who fled to the mountains.
3. The adventurist policy of these countries was bound to result in bankruptcy.
4. As the Suez route was yet to be opened, the ship had to circumnavigate half of the globe before reaching the Pacific Ocean.
5. These brave people were forced to fight for every inch of soil.
6. It is also to be noted that in the inscriptions and written documents of this period we frequently find in one country forms and words that were later to become distinctive of the other sections.
7. Such flower as this is not to be found in the vicinity.
8. The reader should keep in mind the marked distinctions between the two processes.
9. “The world is not to be comprehended as a complex of ready-made things,” wrote Engels, “but as a complex of processes in which things are apparently stable, go through an interrupted change of coming into being and passing away.”
10. Rousseau, in his Contrat Sociale and Emile (1760 – 1762) had first formulated those ideas which were to shake the foundation of European society.
11. For his lord’s sake the retainer was bound not only to lay down his own life cheerfully, but to sacrifice the life and honor of those nearest to him.
12. This sonnet and the one quoted above need, in fact to be considered together.
13. The origin of this art, so far as technique is concerned, is to be traced back to the tomb painting of Graeco-Roman Egypt.
14. In 1820 Keats was forced to seek warmer skies, and died in Rome early in the next year, at the age of twenty-five.
15. The new text bears many affinities with treaties of the second millennium B.C. In this way it should further the understanding of this type of literature, which is common to the whole of Ancient Near East.
16. Near the wall we unearthed building foundations on 12 sites, discoveries of which led to much discussion about our members. Some of us believe that the foundations uncovered may be the remains of those palaces, but this will have to be further substantiated.
17. Henry VIII (1509 – 1547) was the first king since Henry V who did not have to fight a battle to win or keep his throne.
18. A similar origin should probably be assigned to the extensive accumulations of sand, clay and fine gravel which are to be found on the coast of Alicante.
Exercise 11 . Combination matching"tobe + infinitive"in various functions.Translate by first defining a functioncombinations “to be + infinitive”.
1. The opposite view is to deny any philosophical relevance to literature.
2. A series of events took place which within a few years was to work a transformation in the island kingdom.
3. These tales lack the artistic beauty of expression and of imagery which are to be found everywhere in his greater poems.
4. A second, not contradictory approach, is to study the sum of individual traits by which this system differs from comparable systems.
5. The change which was to come over English poetry, and the new style which was to dominate that poetry for more than a century, owes its inception to this great poet.
6. Dickens was for a time editor of the London and Westminster Review, and his purely literary efforts in the essay are not to be ignored.
7. With the longer poems (of Shelley) went a brilliant cascade of shorter lyrical pieces. To name them is to mention some of the sweetest English lyrics.
8. The aim of the dialectical method is to enable us logically and consistently to express the real interconnection and motion of things.
9. The mural paintings are by no means to he found in ail the caves inhabited during the Glacial Epoch.
10. The great achievement in the cultural field was the creation of a department of archaeology, whose function was to preserve the monuments of Indian arts and, by excavations, to discover more of them.
11. This serious problem of Ancient Rome is not to be disposed of so lightly.
Infinitive is the basic, impersonal form of the verb. Sign infinitive in English is a particle to, For example: (to) go, (to) be, (to) ask, (to) fight, (to) understand, (to) walk.
English infinitive combines the characteristics of a verb and, to some extent, a noun. The latter is expressed in the fact that the infinitive can act in a sentence as a subject, object, predicative, definition, circumstance and some others.
For example:
To learn is important.
Teaching important. ( The infinitive functions as a subject.)
The most important thing is to learn.
The most important thing is study. (The infinitive performs the function of a predicate.)
He wants to learn.
He wants study. (The infinitive functions as a complement.)
Negative forms of the infinitive are formed by adding a negative particle not to the infinitive.
For example:
I decided to invite them. – I decided not to invite them.
I solved them invite. - I solved them don't invite.
Infinitive forms in English
There are several forms of the infinitive in English, which are discussed in detail below. To better understand the difference between the listed infinitive forms, you need to have a good understanding of tenses and voice in English.
Continuous Infinitive / Progressive Infinitive
Method of education: (to) + be + present participle
Examples: (to) be writing, (to) be reading, (to) be walking, etc.
Continuous Infinitive(also called Progressive Infinitive) is used to show that actions or events will occur at the time of speech.
For example:
I happened to be waiting for the bus when the accident happened.
It so happened that I waited bus when the accident occurred.
You must be joking.
You probably, you're kidding.
Perfect Infinitive
Method of education: (to) have + past participle
Examples: (to) have received, (to) have broken, (to) have seen, etc.
Perfect Infinitive can be used in the same situations in which the past tense or perfect tenses are used (see verb tenses).
For example:
I am happy to have left school. (= I am happy that I have left school.)
I am glad that graduated school.
You seem to have announced him. (= It seems that you have annoyed him.)
It seems you are him annoyed.
It's nice to have finished work. (= It is nice that I have finished work.)
Nice finish work.
Perfect Infinitive often used to describe impossible actions in the past tense.
For example:
If you had run a bit faster, you would have won.
If you ran a little faster, you would won.
You should have told me you were coming.
I needed it say that you will come.
Passive Infinitive
Method of education: (to) be + past participle
Examples: (to) be given, (to) be seen, (to) be loved, etc.
Passive Infinitive passive voice).
For example:
Everybody wants to be loved.
Everybody wants them loved.
There is a lot of work to be done.
Need to execute a lot of work.
She ought to be told about it.
She should talk about it say.
Perfect Passive Infinitive
Method of education: (to) + have been + past participle
Perfect Passive Infinitive has the same meaning as regular verbs in Passive Voice (see passive voice).
For example:
They were lucky – they could have been killed.
They were lucky - they could have been kill.
Perfect Continuous Infinitive / Perfect Progressive Infinitive
Method of education: (to) have been + present participle
Examples: (to) have been crying, (to) have been wanting, etc.
Perfect Continuous Infinitive(also called Perfect Progressive Infinitive) is used in Perfect Continuous tenses (see verb tenses).
For example:
We have been waiting for ages.
We we wait for ages now.
How long have you been living here?
How long have you been here? live?
Using the infinitive without the particle to
Usually infinitive in English used with particle to. But in some cases the infinitive is used without a particle to. Such cases are discussed below.
1. After modal verbs:
We can manage it.
We can handle this.
We must get someone to paint the roof.
We need to get someone to paint our roof.
You may go now.
You can go.
2. After modal constructions ( would rather, had better):
You had better consult a doctor.
You better go see a doctor.
I would rather go alone.
I'd rather go alone.
3. After the verb do, used as an intensifying verb:
I do admit that I was wrong.
Yes, I admit that I was wrong.
But you did say that!
But you said it!
4. With a verb let in the meaning of “allow” or incentive sentences:
Let's him go.
Let him go.
Let's me help you with the translation.
Let me help you with the translation.
5. In combination with verbs of perception to see, to hear, to watch etc., if they are not in the passive voice:
I saw her light the lamp.
I saw her light the lamp.
We heard her sing a song.
We heard her sing a song.
We watched them play.
We watched them play.
6. After the verb make meaning “to force”, if it is not in the passive voice:
They made me wait.
They kept me waiting.
He made me come.
He made me come.
7. After the verb help it is allowed to omit the particle to:
She helped the child (to)lift the box.
She helped the child lift the box.
If in cases 5-7 the passive voice is used, then the particle to required:
She was heard to sing a song.
They heard her sing a song.
She was made to pay back the money.
She was forced to pay money.
He was helped to lift the box.
They helped him lift the box.
8. After alliances and, or, except, but, than, as And like in the case when they are used to connect two infinitives:
It is as easy to smile as frown.
Smiling is as easy as frowning.
Do you want to have lunch now or wait till later?
Do you want to have lunch now, or wait?
We had nothing to do except look at the cinema posters.
We had nothing to do but look at movie posters.
9. After why And why not in question:
Why pay more at other shops? We have the lowest prices.
Why pay more at other stores? We have the lowest prices.
Why not make it up with him?
Why not apologize to him?
The infinitive and its use are discussed in more detail in the section
According to the norms of modern grammar, the English infinitive is one of the three main impersonal ones, along with the participle and the gerund. However, historical evidence suggests that in the Old English period the infinitive had an inflected form, which presumably indicates its origin from a noun. So how do you know what an infinitive actually is? In general, it can be compared with in the Russian language, since, similar to it, the English infinitive simultaneously has the properties of both a verb and a noun. However, it has a number of specific qualities that make life significantly more difficult for people just starting to learn English. To understand what an infinitive is and how it is “eaten”, let’s consider its main functions, forms and most common examples consumption.
Functions of the infinitive
| Infinitive form | Pledge | |
| Active | Passive | |
| Simple | To bite | To be bitten |
| Perfect | To have bitten | To have been bitten |
| Continuous | To be biting | - |
| Perfect Cont. | To have been biting | - |
What is the infinitive c to
Particle to is an infinitive, although in itself it does not carry any semantic meaning. The infinitive with to in is always used after:
1. Words the last/first/next:
He is the next to get his passport in our family. - He is the next one to receive a passport in our family.
2. Adjectives expressing some kind of attitude:
We are more than happy to spend this weekend with you. - We will be very happy to spend this weekend with you.
3. Question words:
Can you explain one more time how to fix it? -Can you explain again how to fix it?
4. Constructions verb + noun/place:
I helped my dad to clean the car. - I helped dad wash the car.
5. Constructions for + noun/place:
She waited for the cab to come. - She was waiting for the taxi to arrive.
6. Verbs agree, ask, decide, help, plan, hope, learn, want, would like, promise, refuse, claim, decide and others:
She refused to date her boss. - She refused to meet with her boss.
It should be remembered that with some verbs from this list you can use both a gerund and an infinitive. It all depends on what meaning of the word you want to convey.
"Naked" infinitive
We have looked at what an infinitive with the particle to is, as well as options for its use. Now let's look at the main cases when it can be used without it. So, in English the “bare” infinitive comes after:
1. Modal verbs shall, can, will, may, must/mustn’t, needn’t, could, would, might and should:
I shall bake a cake for his birthday. - I should bake a cake for his birthday.
2. The phrases would rather/sooner, had better, why not, why should (not):
I would rather read a book than watch this film. - I would rather read a book than watch this film.
3. Verbs of sensory or intellectual perception feel, hear, notice, see, watch + addition:
I heard Peter sing a song. - I heard Peter sing.
4. Verbs let/make + object:
Mother let her daughter decide on her own. - The mother allows her daughter to make her own decisions.
Of course, these are not all the linguistic nuances associated with the use of the English infinitive. However, if you understand the basics, further learning a foreign language will go much easier.