Lesson 15

Part 1

Infinitive constructions

Infinitive and words relating to it can form infinitive constructions. There are two types of infinitive constructions.

Dependent infinitive constructions - are constructions where are no words denoting a doer before infinitive. These constructions are translated by a subordinate clause where infinitive becomes a predicate.

E.g.: The Combustion Problem Institute claimed to have obtained pure fusicocsine. - Сотрудники Института Проблем Горения утверждают, что они получили чистый фузикокцин.

Absolute infinitive construction: absolute infinitive is placed at the end of the sentence. It is translated by a subordinate clause with the conjunctions: “причем”, “так как”. E.g.: We asked him to help us, the work to be done in a week - Мы попросили его помочь нам, так как работа должна быть сделана через неделю.

Practice

Translate the following sentences paying attention to the infinitive constructions.

1. The product has been proved to affect the overall yield.

2. The data have been admitted to be incorrect.

3. Tests were scheduled to start in 1967.

4. This hydrolysis is taken to follow the above scheme.

5. The reactions was found to lead to low yields.

6. We proved this suggestion to be wrong.

7. There are two approaches to the solution of this problem, one to be used in analytical investigations, the other in simulation.

Part 2

Exercise 1. Read and translate the text.