Revision (the infinitive)

Exercise 1.

State the form of the infinitive.

1. They could hardly have been hidden on board. (A. Chr.)

2. I found that he didn’t seem to be taking in what I was saying. (A. Chr.)

3. I don’t want to seem always to be criticizing your methods. (P.W.)

4. I tried to imagine what had happened to drive the poor creature to that step. (S.M.)

5. The most elderly member of the party threw up his arms in what appeared to be a defensive gesture. (F.F.)

6. Soames was reserved about his affairs, but he must be getting a very warm man. (Galsw.)

7. “Well, I must be going,” he said after a short pause. (Galsw.)

8. It is most unlikely, I must have made a mistake. (A. Chr.)

9. “There is something to be done, but what,” she said. (White)

10. Even though he never seemed to have nickel to his name, he managed better than the others. (W.S.)

11. I should have liked to say something final but I could not think of anything, I just said that I must be getting along and with a curt nod left him. (S.M.)

12. She has written over thirty novels and her works are beginning to be adapted for television and film. (M.D.)

13. You seem to have had a rotten time in Paris. (S.M.)

14. She was supposed to be a nice girl. (M.D.)

15. It had been put there to be washed. (White)

Exercise 2.

Define the function of the infinitive.

1. I do not think it is necessary to insult Miss Elsa Hard’s intelligence by telling her. (A. Chr.)

2. He made a supreme effort to break it. (Galsw.)

3. He wished to give her every chance. (Galsw.)

4. To tell it is to live through it all again. (O.W.)

5. Hers was not a face to command instant attention or recognition. (A. Chr.)

6. To have taken the field openly against his rival, would have been madness. (W.I.)

7. I’m not running a cafeteria here you know, whatever some people seem to think. (M.D.)

8. You’re supposed to play without ceasing. (J. Sal.)

9. She had seen two men start toward her from opposite sides. (F.F.)

10. But though danger had been there for some time it was never likely to get acute. (A. Chr.)

11. You’re all supposed to be intelligent. (J. Sal.)

12. The big problems of life seemed to solve themselves. (F.F.)

13. He hadn’t expected Strickland to take him up on the sport and make his preparations to go there and then. (S.M.)

14. He took time to get his cigarette lighted. (J.Sal.)

15. I saw him take forcible possession of her hand. (Steve)

16. The boys downstairs were supposed to wait until we gave it to them. (M.D.)

Exercise 3.

Point out and define the type of infinitive constructions in the following sentences.

1. I just don’t seem to care about it any more. (A. Chr.)

2. Then, as he turned up the street that led to the residence district, Judy began to cry quietly to herself. He had never seen her cry before. (F.F.)

3. “Do you expect me never to go anywhere?” Jonquil demanded, leaning back against the sofa-pillows until she seemed to look at him from many miles away. (F.F.)

4. He was forced several times to sit down on a bench, when crossing the park. (Cron.)

5. It’s wonderful how everything seems to turn out right for me. (A. Chr.)

6. A young man was reported to be … completely under the thumb of his mother. (A. Chr.)

7. I watched the engine come nearer. (E.H.)

8. I feel therefore, that the time has come for me to set down all I know of the affair in black and white. (A. Chr.)

9. It was the first time I had ever heard her laugh. (E.H.)

10. Mr. Renauld declared that he was not likely to use the car. (A. Chr.)

11. The question of our agreeing or not agreeing to her plan did not seem to occur to her mind. (A. Chr.)

12. Is that a likely thing to happen? (A. Chr.)

13. They appeared to be wealthy people with a passion for everything connected with the stage. (A. Chr.)

14. When the time had come for him to wear good clothes, he had known who were the best tailors in America. (F.F.)

15. Bossiney didn’t seem to hear. (Galsw.)

16. But best of all, take them along and then you’re sure to be on the safe side. (A. Chr.)

Exercise 4.

Insert the particle “to” where required.

1. You would hardly … believe it. (A. Chr.)

2. The inspector very kindly allowed me … accompany him to the Three Anchors. (A. Chr.)

3. He’d better not … let me … catch sight of him. (S.M.)

4. I can’t … tell you how I hate it when I go out and I can’t … give satisfaction, so … speak. (A. Chr.)

5. I didn’t see anyone, but I did hear the front-door bell … ring once or twice. (P.W.)

6. My friend motioned for him … come in. (E.H.)

7. “You should better … shut up the shop,” she said. (K. Man)

8. I want you … go away because I have let myself … get fond of you. (A. Chr.)

9. But after all, that’s life, and Jeremy had better … find it out. (White)

10. Andrew dared not … meet his wife’s eyes. (Cron.)

11. “You shouldn’t have let him … get away with that,” she said. (F.F.)

12. She has made him … play first fiddle to that woman. (F.F.)

13. What did I expect … happen?

14. She seemed … be making very lame excuses and James did not look at her. (Galsw.)

15. Pat caught Leam’s eye but Leam happened … look away at the moment. (F.F.)

16. I watched the shore … come closer. (E.H.)

Exercise 5.

Complete the following so as to use predicative constructions with the infinitive.

1. He appeared … .

2. Do you expect me … .

3. The teacher brought the article for … .

4. The translation proved too difficult for … .

5. When she went out with me she was supposed … .

6. “I absolutely agree,” he was heard … .

7. It wasn’t the sort of place he was likely … .

8. Have you got anything for me…?

9. His novels happen … .

10. But a few moments later there was something for her … .

11. I’m sure you don’t want him … .

12. He sat down quietly and allowed … .

13. I shall never forget the tactful patience with which he persuaded her … .

14. When we came back I made her … .

15. Many highly trained workers are expected … .

16. There was a dinner later and she was compelled … .

Exercise 6.

Translate into English using predicative constructions with the infinitive.

1. Боссини сидел погруженный в свои печальные мысли и не заметил, что молодой Джолион смотрел на него.

2. Джо сделал вид, что он погружен в чтение газеты, когда увидел, что Амелия и Ребекка вошли в комнату.

3. Вполне вероятно, что она унаследовала характер своего отца. Она такая же добрая и отзывчивая.

4. Считается, что читать в оригинале романы Диккенса трудно. Только люди, владеющие английским языком, могут их оценить.

5. Дориан думал, что ничто не заставит его нарушить обещание, данное Сибилле Вейн.

6. Если он займется наукой, то, наверняка, станет хорошим ученым.

7. Если вам случится быть там снова, наведите справки.

8. Он не хочет, чтобы его приглашали туда.

9. Она не любит, когда ей задают вопросы.

10. Я хотел бы, чтобы меня спросили об этом.

Exercise 7.

Read the following dialogue and point out predicative constructions with the infinitive in it. Make up your own dialogues using predicative constructions with the infinitive.