- •(Verbids, verbals)
- •Categories of Finite Forms of the Verb (revision)
- •The infinitive
- •Grammatical categories of the infinitive
- •The infinitive as the subject
- •1. The infinitive as the subject can either
- •Infinitive as the predicate
- •The infinitive as the predicative
- •Idea ideal need problem purpose rule
- •The infinitive as part of a compound verbal modal predicate
- •The infinitive as part of a compound verbal aspect predicate
- •Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with. (Mark Twain)
- •We should measure affection not by the ardor of its passion, but by its strength and consistency.
- •As long as you see the doughnut, you are an optimist. As soon as you start to see the hole, you cease to be an optimist, you are a pessimist.
- •Task 12. Use either an infinitive or a gerund or both in the sentences below.
- •The infinitive as an object
- •To be afraid
- •Sue doesn’t want to ride. She is afraid of falling. He is afraid to take the test in case he fails.
- •The infinitive as an attribute
- •The infinitive as an adverbial modifier
- •Subjective Infinitive Construction Complex Subject (the infinitive as part of a compound verbal predicate of double orientation)
- •Revision of the infinitive
- •Task 51. Paraphrase the sentences below using (if possible):
- •Complex Object; b) Complex Subject; c) For-with-Infinitive Construction
- •Task 52. Replace the underlined phrases with an appropriate infinitive or infinitive construction.
The infinitive as the subject
1. The infinitive as the subject can either
precede the predicate, e.g. To hesitate means to lose.
or follow it. If it follows the predicate, it is introduced by introductory or dummy “It”, e.g. It is useless to cry over the spilt milk. It’s nice to see you again.
Note: Some grammarians regard the infinitive in this function to an object.
The infinitive of any voice, correlation or aspect can be used as a subject, e.g.
To expect too much is a dangerous thing. (non-perfect, indefinite, active)
Even to be talking to Gerald was a real pleasure for her. (non-perfect, continuous, active)
To have seen Marge, so lively and beautiful, was even a more painful experience. (perfect, indefinite, active)
To have been spoken to in such a way was a real shock for Mr. Fitsgerald. (perfect, indefinite, passive)
To have been working for the whole day and all in vain was really frustrating. (perfect, continuous, active)
3. The use of the infinitive as the subject is mainly found in literary English.
TASK 4. Explain how you understand the proverbs and saying given below and whether you agree with them.
To cry is useless; it never helps.
It’s not good to know a man down and then ask him why he lives in the dirt.
To err is human, to forgive is divine. (A proverb)
It is never too late to give up prejudice.
It takes all sorts to make the world. (A proverb) (Мир состоит из разных людей.)
To know everything is to know nothing. (A proverb)
It’s not enough to have a good mind; the main thing is to use it well. subject, NPIA
It’s not hard to make decisions when you know what your values are.
To be or not to be is not a question of a compromise. subject, NPIA
It’s better to be occasionally cheated than perpetually suspicious.
TASK 5. Translate into English using different forms of infinitives as subjects of the sentence.
Полагаться на мистера Свифта – пустая трата сил и времени.
Выучить все темы назубок и все же провалиться на экзамене – это было уже слишком.
То, что с ней обращались как с настоящей леди, было полной неожиданностью для Элизы.
Не уходите. Оставаться сейчас одному для меня настоящая мука.
Забыть прошлое для нее совершенно невозможно, она живет только им.
Увидеть Лондон и умереть – это все, о чем мечтал герой одного из романов этого писателя.
Воспринять его серьезно, а потом убедиться, что он все время подшучивал над вами, было больно и обидно.
Все понять, значит - все простить.
То, что его назвали талантливым студентом, было чрезвычайно приятно.
Сделать такую блестящую карьеру, и разрушить ее в один день таким неудачным браком, это ли не вершина глупости?
Дело казалось совершенно безнадежным. Найти ребенка в Чикаго было все равно, что искать иголку в стоге сена.
Курить вредно - это несомненно, но очень много людей все еще подвергает это положение сомнению.
Соблюдать диету совершенно необходимо, это не модный каприз, а здоровый образ жизни.
Забывать о своих предках значит быть деревом без корней.
Не знать язык страны, в которой ты находишься, может быть опасно для жизни.