2017-11-01
5810
PREDICATIVE CONSTRUCTIONS WITH THE INFINITIVE
Together with a noun or a pronoun infinitives can form predicative constructions. There are three types of Infinitive constructions:
1. The-Objective-with-the-Infinitive Construction
2. The Subjective Infinitive Construction
3. The for-to-Infinitive construction
The-Objective-with-the-Infinitive Construction
It is а construction in which the infinitive is in predicate relation to а noun in the Common case or а pronoun in the Objective case. This construction is used after several groups of verbs.
1. It is used after verbs denoting sense perception, such as hear, see, watch, observe, notice, feel, etc. The infinitive is used without the particle ‘to’.
I didn’t hear him say it.
Did you see him do it?
After verbs of sense perception only the Indefinite Infinitive Active is used.
Note: Instead of the infinitive of the verb ‘ be ’ а clause is used.
We saw that he was excited.
2. The Objective-with-the-Infinitive construction is used after the verbs denoting mental activity, such as know, think, consider, believe, suppose, expect, find, feel, etc.
Не expected you to come yesterday.
The infinitive of the verb ‘ be ’ is easily dropped after the verbs ‘think’, ‘consider’, ‘find’.
We considered him (to be) а good student.
The Perfect Infinitive is seldom used after the verbs of mental activity.
3. The Objective-with-the-Infinitive construction is used after verbs of declaring, such as pronounce, declare. The infinitive of the verb ‘ be ’ can be dropped.
He pronounced the match to start.
The Governor declared the meeting (to be) over.
4. The Objective-with-the-Infinitive construction is used after verbs denoting wish and intention, such as want, wish, desire, mean, intend, etc.
I don’t want him to take part in this competition.
I didn’t mean her to be hurt.
5. The Objective-with-the-Infinitive construction is used after verbs denoting feeling and emotion, such as like, dislike, love, hate, etc.
I’d like you to come to our meeting.
6. The Objective-with-the-Infinitive construction is used after verbs denoting compulsion: make, cause, get, have. After the verbs make and have the infinitive is used without the particle ‘to’.
His words made them stop.
The rain caused the river to flood the valley.
7. The Objective-with-the-Infinitive construction is used after the verb let:
They let her drive home.
We can rely on him to keep the secret.
The Subjective Infinitive Construction
It is а construction in which the infinitive is in predicate relation to а noun in the Common case or а pronoun in the Nominative case.
1. It is used with the following verbs in the Passive Voice:
а) Verbs denoting sense perception:
He was never seen to come here before.
b) Verbs denoting mental activity:
She is considered to be а good doctor.
They are expected to inform you.
с) With the verb make:
He was made to wash the car again.
d) With the verb let:
They were let to go as soon as they finished the work.
d) With the verbs say, report:
They were said to have lost the game.
2. The Subjective Infinitive construction is used with the verbs seem, appear, happen, chance, prove, turn out:
She seems to know everything about you.
3. The Subjective Infinitive construction is used with adjectives likely, sure, certain:
It is likely to rain.
They are sure to help you.
