11. Construction “complex subject”
Is a construction in which the infinitive is in predicate relation to a noun in the common case or a pronoun in the nominative case.
The
construction consists of 2 parts:
1) a noun in the common case or a pronoun in the nominative case.
2) the Infinitive or the Participle.
The first and the second parts are always separated by the predicate in the Passive Voice (4 verbs are used in the Active Voice)
The construction is translated into Ukrainian as a complex sentence. The translation starts from the predicate which is rendered as an impersonal main clause.
He is said to know six languages - Говорять, що він знає шість мов
The use of the subjective infinitive construction
Verbs which are used in the Passive Voice with the Construction the Construction is used with the following groups of verbs in the Passive Voice:
1. With verbs denoting sense perception: to see, to hear, etc.
2. With verbs denoting mental activity: to think, to consider, to know, to expect, to believe, to suppose.
3. With the verb to make.
4. With verbs to say and to report.
Several verbs are used in the Active Voice with the Construction: to appear – зявлятися, to prove – зясовуватися, to happen – статися, to turn out – статися, to seem - здаватися
The Perfect Infinitive is used if the action expressed by the construction is preceded by the action expressed by the predicate. He is said to have gone to London.
TEST
YOURSELF
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What is “Complex Subject”?
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How many parts does it consist of?
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2What is the first part?
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What is the second part?
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In what way is it translated into Ukrainian?
Exercises.
Exercise 1. Inderline the Complex Suibject. Translate from English into Russian.
1. He was said to be one of the most promising nuclear physicists. 2. Clyde was expected to arrive at the week – end. 3.Many new texts – books are expected to be published soon. 4. His invention is considered to be of great importance. 5. He appeared to be an ideal man. 6. The operation seemed to be a complicated one. 7. The new methods of work appear to be very effective. 8. The language of the article turned out to be quite easy. 9. They appeared to have lost the way. 10. She is not likely to change hear opinion. 11. These two young people are sure to be very good friends. 12. He is sure to give us some useful information. 13. They seem to have heard all about it. 14. Clyde appeared to have forgotten of his promise to spend his evenings with Roberta.
Exercise 2. Write these sentences with Complex Subject. Translate from Russian into Engish.
It is said that he wants to enter the university.→ He is said to enter the iniversity.
1.It is said that he began to write potries, when he was 6. 2. It seems that you know all the rules.
3. It is said that he made a report in England. 4. It is known that the children like sweets.
5. It seemed that they were kind people. 6. It is known their car was in the exhibition.
Exercise 3. Translate these sentences from Russian into English using the Complex Subject.
1. Новые автобусы оказались очень удобными. 2. Говорят, что эта статья очень интересная.
3. Вы, кажется, устали. 4. Предполагают, что заседание закончиться в 9 часов. 5. Вы, кажется, много читали в школе. 6. Вероятно, что доктор придёт завтра. 7. Считали, что он много работает.