I. The infinitive as the subject of a sentence

We can use the infinitive as the subject of a sentence (clause) when it refers to an activity.

E. g. To check this result is desirable.

To avoid the latest result would be undesirable if you are planning to do the experiment again.

To change the parameter was your mistake.

However, the sentences frequently begin with it instead. In this case the infinitive is part of the compliment.

E. g. It is desirable to check this result.

It would be undesirable to avoid the latest result if you are planning to do the experiment again.

It was your mistake to change the parameter.

Notice that two infinitives balance each other in the following type of sentence.

E. g. To seek is to find.

To know the computers means to be educated.

Exercises

1.Work with another student to complete these sentences. Compare your idea to those of other students in the class

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To work...

То know...

То think...

То do research...

To analyze...

To be a good scientist...

2. The following extract is from an article about matter. Read the text and identify all infinitives as the subjects of sentences.

The basic building blocks of matter are atoms. To attract other bodies with the help of gravitation is the property of every physical entity. To resist any change in its condition of rest or its motion is another inherent and permanent property of a physical body called inertia. To measure the mass of a body means to know its inertia, though a measure of inertia is commonly taken as a measure of the amount of material contained in the body.

3. Agree with the statement changing the sentences according to the model:

Model: It will be sufficient to only outline the technique.

Yes, I agree entirely here. To only outline the technique will be sufficient.

a. It is necessary to divide solids into metallic, ionic, covalent, or molecular.

b. It has been unnecessary to go into great detail.

с It would be possible to solve the task ahead of schedule.

d. It is essential for a scientist today to know at least one foreign language.

e. It is necessary to know that matter (as mass) and energy are equivalent.

f. It is impossible to detect all types of solar neutrinos passing through the Earth with modern detectors.

g. It was intriguing to find out neutrino oscillations.

4. Contradict the following statements. Use "Just the other way round" as an opening phrase. Follow the model.

Model: To work with mercury is not dangerous.

Just the other way round, it is dangerous to work with mercury.

1. To detect second sound in such materials is not difficult. 2. To in­vestigate the properties of this substance is not important. 3. To draw decisive conclusions on the problem is not possible. 4. To read through the history of physics is not interesting. 5. To discuss methods for

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studying solar phenomena is not necessary. 6. To explain the difference between these processes is not reasonable. 7. To obtain this kind of in­formation is not easy. 8. To apply some general principles to different branches of physics is hardly possible.

5. Translate the following sentences.

1. Необходимо описать результаты эксперимента детально. 2. Заниматься проблемой взаимодействия элементарных частиц с электрическим полем было очень важно. 3. Разделить все типы ио­низирующей радиации на две категории было необходимо. 4. Желательно проверить все приборы до проведения эксперимента. 5. Бесполезно пытаться что-либо изменить сейчас. 6. Полезно и дальше развивать научные контакты. 7. Менять условия в определенных пределах для выявления оптимального варианта будет вполне возможно. 8. Продолжать работу в таком режиме было нельзя. 9. Трудно ответить на ваш вопрос. 10. Сейчас нереально говорить о широком практическом применении этих результатов, так как они ее требуют тщательной проверки.