The Objective-with-the-Infinitive Constructions

Some peculiarities of translating these constructions

English sentence

Russian sentence

When translating this construction into Russian we use a subordinate clause, introduced by the conjunctions что, чтобы.

… Reserve Banks are expected to maintain robust accrual processes to identify expenses timely and record them in the proper period.

robust accrual processes - трудоемкие процедуры по начислению

However, sometimes a sentence containing this construction is translated into Russian by a simple sentence.

… the bombings at night made the old walls shake to their foundations. (Heym)

The verbs which demand prepositional object such as to wait for, to rely on, to speak about preserve this preposition in front of the construction and the subordinate clause is introduced by the conjunctions то что, чтобы, пока, etc.

I rely on you to come in time.

Function

English sentence

Russian sentence

Subject (often with the introductory it)

I sometimes think it is a shame for people to spend so much money this way. (Dickens)

Predicative

That was for him to find out.

Object

I watched for him to appear through the bushes.

Complex object

They waited for me to leave.

Hence there is scope for financial and other motivations to be used at local levels.

Attribute (Here it modifies nouns or indefinite and universal pronouns.)

There’s nobody here for him to play with. (Hemingway)

Adverbial modifier

of purpose:

We provide solutions for you to address the underlying reasons behind poor performance and engagement.

underlying reason - причина, лежащая в основе; основной мотив

engagement - обязательство

Note: unlike the infinitive, the for-to-construction in this function can be placed only after the predicate.

of result:

He spoke loud enough for you to hear.

Some peculiarities of translating these constructions

English sentence

Russian sentence

As a rule the sentence with this construction is translated as a complex subject. The main clause of it is an impersonal sentence, like говорят, сообщают, известно and the subordinate clause is introduced by the conjunctions что and как.

The delegation is reported to have left for Madrid.

One legendary Chanel creation, hand-embroidered by celebrated Maison Lesage, is said to have sold for 230 000 euros.

In some cases the Complex Subject may be translated as a simple sentence.

Much greater economic tasks were seen to lie ahead.

lie ahead - предстоять в будущем

If the predicate in the main clause is used in the negative form, in translation the negation is shifted to the subordinate clause.

The preliminary talks are not expected to last more than two weeks.

preliminary - предварительный

The predicate may be expressed by the combination of the modal verb + infinitive. In translations it becomes an impersonal sentence which has a modal meaning.

The settlement may be considered to be of primary importance to them.

The settlement may be considered to be of primary importance to them.

settlement - урегулирование; соглашение

The Subjective Infinitive Construction is used with the word-groups to be likely, to be sure, and to be certain.

… the period to complete the planned termination is not likely to change.

termination - истечение срока (termination of employment - окончание срока службы, работы по найму)

(The modal expression to be likely to is used to denote probability or supposition.)