Конструкция «Инфинитив с предлогом for»
В этой конструкции именной элемент, выраженный существительным или местоимением и связанный вторичной предикативной связью с инфинитивом, имеет перед собой предлог for. Перевод оборота зависит от выполняемой им функции, при этом предлог for опускается, а весь оборот — инфинитив с существительным (местоимением) с for — переводится инфинитивом или придаточным предложением, где инфинитив английского предложения соответствует глаголу в личной форме, т. е. функции сказуемого русского перевода, а стоящее перед инфинитивом существительное — подлежащему, соответственно выполняемой данным оборотом функции. Вся конструкция выступает в функции одного члена предложения:
подлежащего |
For him to give up his plans would be a tragedy. Если бы он оставил свои планы, это было бы трагедией.
Конструкция с предваряющим it является более употребительной и менее формальной:
It is necessary for him to finish his work. Ему необходимо закончить свою работу. |
части сказуемого (предикатива) |
The main difficulty is for him to leave the town. Основная трудность для него – покинуть город. |
сложного дополнения |
The people waited patiently for the king to appear on the balcony. Люди терпеливо ждали, когда король появится на балконе. |
определения |
Here is the article for you to read. Вот статья, которую ты должен прочитать. |
обстоятельства |
a) цели: I’ll make a new dress for you to wear at the ball. Я сошью новое платье, чтобы ты одела его на бал.
b) результата: The problem is too difficult for me to understand. Проблема слишком сложная, чтобы я мог ее понять. |
Exercises
Ex. 1. State the form of the infinitive.
1. Aunt Ann didn’t ask him to explain this strange utterance. 2. I would give a great deal to know what is behind that affair. 3. With a woman’s instinct when the trouble is to be faced she went to the battle with a glance as courageous as old Jolyon’s itself. 4. There is only one more incident to be related here, and it happens seven years farther on. 5. But these people are illogical, they want to be reassured by your telling them what they want to believe. 6. “When you’ve got time to listen,” he said crossly, “you might be interested in discussing the poor house question with me”. 7. Now he discussed what he ought to have said instead of what he said. 8. I was not going to have come all this way for nothing. 9. “The sound was very slight”, said Virginia. “It might have been just my imagination”. 10. Though his father is known to have been either English or Irish, he himself has worked chiefly in Paris. 11. At that hour people were less likely to be coming in or going out. 12. It is possible that you in England may not even have heard of our famous and fantastic King Victor. 13. “It is a very curious thing,” he said slowly, “but Miss Marple happens to have hit upon the truth.” 14. I felt she must be suffering, and I did not want to see a pain which I could not help. 15. Well, I thought it would be a good thing if I was thought to be going.
Ex. 2. Give all the possible forms of the following infinitives.
To do, to study, to live, to sit, to lie, to raise, to set, to sell, to leave, to go, to inform, to like, to write, to run, to make.
Ex. 3.
Choose the correct form of the infinitive so as to complete the sentence.
1. There was nothing … (to fear, to be feared).
2. Before I had governess I had been to the vicarage (to teach, to be taught) by the curate.
3. I dislike (to discuss, to be discussed) as though I weren’t there.
4. I think he might not be flattered (to call, to be called) romantic.
5. She felt protective towards him which was a strange way (to feel, to be felt).
6. “I am beginning (to appreciate, to be appreciated)”, he cried.
7. “What disobedient children!” cried the old Water-Rat. “They really deserve (to punish, to be punished)”.
8. That is always a very dangerous thing (to do, to be done).
9. The last item on the programs was a grand display of fireworks (to let off, to be let off) exactly at midnight.
10. She loved (to hear, to be heard) of my father’s adventures when he returned home.
Ex. 4. Use the infinitive in brackets in the perfect or non-perfect form. Translate the sentences.
1. She was relieved (to feel) she need not investigate, and probably would never hear the reason for this quarrel. 2. She had tried (to give) her a ring for Christmas, and failing that, got her (to accept) a gold watch but that must (to cost) two hundred dollars. 3. I started (to walk) on tiptoe. 4. She is not likely (to take) him into her confidence. 5. I’ve tried (to plan) you a house here with some self-respect of its own. 6. She would appear to listen and would remember nothing inconvenient, since her mind was sure (to be dwelling) on some problem connected with the children all the time. 7. We must (to sit) there, with scarcely a word, for well over an hour. 8. He promised (to come) and (to see) them before he left. 9. I’m deeply sorry (to involve) you in this. 10. “Now, I must (to go),” said the man, “and you, young ladies, walk off home.”
Ex. 5. Define the forms of the following infinitives. Use them in your own sentences.
To desert, to have been repaired, to be staying, to be improved, to have been watching, to be followed, to have been shown, to be changing, to have been listening, to be despised.
Ex. 6. Respond to the following questions or statements, using the phrases from the list below.
1. I see you haven’t read this article. 2. Why didn’t you go to the country? 3. They say you work hard now. 4. Why didn’t you buy a new dictionary for him? 5. Let’s forget it. 6. You are going to write a letter, aren’t you? 7. Will you go to the cinema with us? 8. You seem to have insulted him. 9. I’ll be glad to drop in. 10. You must join them the sooner the better. 11. Have you anything else to tell me?
____________
I don’t think I want to; I’m glad to; I know I have to; I didn’t have spare time to; I didn’t mean to; Not so much as I have to; I’m sorry I didn’t mean to; You are always welcome to; He didn’t ask me to; I intended to.
Ex. 7. Choose the most suitable verb from the box and make it the subject of the sentence.
-
produce, have, paint, show, read,
smoke, deceive, get, think, go
1. … a friend with such noble ideas is a great privilege.
2. … so much means ruining one’s health.
3. … in for sports is one of the best ways to harden oneself.
4. … books in the original is very useful for those who study foreign languages.
5. Does this mean that … is the same thing an to utter words?
6. … you some of the rare pieces here will be my pleasure.
7. … into bed that night was a relief.
8. It would be dreadful … something below Collision standards on such an important occasion.
9. It would be almost impossible … him, I was sure.
10. … them would be interesting, I thought.
Ex. 8. Find the subject, the predicate and the object in the following sentences. Translate them.
1. То explain this simple fact is not so very easy. 2. To give a true picture of the surrounding matter is the task of natural science. 3. To compare the flow of electricity along a conductor with that of a liquid in a pipe has become familiar.
Ex. 9. Translate the sentences with the introductory it.
1. It is to be expected that those elements will unite.
2. It is to be noted that ...
3. It is to be anticipated that...
4. It is to be emphasized that...
5. It is to be understood that...
6. It is to be remembered that...
Ex. 10. Translate the sentences, paying attention to the function of the infinitive as part of a predicate.
1. One way of obtaining hydrogen is to pass electric current through water. 2. This element is to be found free in nature. 3. The melt is about to crystallize. 4. The explosion must have occurred long ago. 5. When a substance is to be prepared on a commercial scale the method chosen must utilize inexpensive and readily available materials. 6. No living beings could have survived in such a climate. 7. Our present concern will be to discuss the information obtained during the flight. 8. We are to study the main laws of physics. 9. Life may have existed on that planet. 10. The band theory which we are about to discuss makes rather useful statements. 11. In our experiment we were to compare the two gases. 12. New sources of cheap energy are to be found. 13. Helium was about to liquefy. 14. Some problems of science could not have been solved without isotopes. 15. It is believed that these rocks could not have been more than 5000 years old.
Ex. 11. Translate the sentences, paying attention to the function of the infinitive as an attribute.
А. 1. The solution to be filtered was poured into a vessel. 2. Many ores to be found in this district are of great value to the industry. 3. That method makes use of the low solubility of the substance, a property about to be described. 4. We observed the evaporation of water, a phenomenon to be more fully described later. 5. The explanation will probably be considerably modified in the years to come.
B. 1. The method to be followed is based upon some peculiar properties of these rays. 2. The procedure to be followed depends upon the substance being tested. 3. The material to be attacked by the rays is placed on the screen. 4. Here are some more figures to be referred to later.
C. 1. Dalton was the first to deduce scientifically an atomic theory from experimental data. 2. The first trans-uranium element to be made was an neptunium isotope Np233. 3. This author is the first to note definitely the crystallization of vitreous silica. 4. Alpha-radiation was the first radiation to be studied in detail.
D. 1. There was only one signal to be detected. 2. There are some other properties of water to be considered at this point. 3. There is a particular question to be discussed at length. 4. Neutrons serve as particles with which to bombard nuclei. 5. There is not very much experimental data on which to base a decision between these two possibilities. 6. When a crystal expands each molecule gets somewhat larger space in which to carry out thermal oscillation.
E. 1. The amount of polonium to be obtained from a uranium mineral can be simply calculated. 2. There are some other groups of compounds to be mentioned. 3. Joule was the first to note definitely this phenomenon. 4. The procedure to be followed in making the acid extractions depends on whether or not starch is present in the mixture. 5. There are only a finite number of wave numbers to characterize electronic states. 6. Polonium was the first of the radioactive elements to be isolated by the chemists. 7. This theory will be adequate for practical applications through centuries to come.
Ex. 12. Translate the sentences, paying attention to the function of the Infinitive as an adverbial modifier of purpose, result, attendant circumstances.
1. SО2 decomposes to yield sulphur and oxygen. 2. It is too early yet to properly weigh the significance of this method. 3. To test the accuracy of the method, prepare a solution of known composition of these acids. 4. The frequency was so high as nearly to equal the frequency of infrared rays. 5. Diamonds are cut, and their faces are ground and polished so as to reflect and refract light beams.6. The concentration of the reactants is altered in such a manner as to reduce the velocity of the reaction. 7. Occasionally a surface molecule will become so agitated as to break loose from its neighbours and to fly off into the surrounding space. 8. Molecules are too small to be seen even with the most powerful microscope. 9. Elements combine to produce a compound. 10. To explain the pressure of gases and their diffusion, it is generally supposed that all substances are made of very minute particles called molecules.
Ex. 13. Translate the sentences, paying attention to the function of the infinitive as parenthesis.
1. То sum up, there are two features of atomic structure which we must bear in mind. 2. To begin with, one can say that an electric current is the result of a flow of electric charges. 3. To take an example, let us go back to the cell which has been described earlier in this chapter. 4. To be sure, a great progress in chemistry has been made in the last few decades. 5. Uranium, thorium and radium — to mention only a few of the series — all are radioactive. 6. To go back to the analogy of the solar system, the electrons revolve around the nucleus like planets around the sun. 7. Electricity and magnetism are the same things seen from different points of view, or, to put it in another way, they are both names for the way in which everything behaves when we examine sufficiently closely.
Ex. 14. Study the functions of the infinitives. State their forms. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. It was a horrible thing to have a spy in one’s house. 2. It is hard to see inside the head of the brave. 3. To prolong this discussion is to waste time. 4. I intend to take a studio in Paris. 5. She was really pleased to see you. 6. I loved to ride and was very interested to explore new parts. 7. I find it difficult nowadays to travel without her. 8. I knew I could paint a miniature to compare with the greatest artists. 9. He had instructions to take us to the dining-room when we were ready. 10. There was nothing to be done. 11. She was the first to break the silence. 12. As he bent to kiss her she moved her face. 13. He said he had come to take us down. 14. I thought you did it to encourage me, … to give me confidence. 15. The birds sat on the trees and sang so sweetly that the children used to stop their games in order to listen to them. 16. You are too wise to understand that. 17. I’ve been out of the war long enough to know where I stand. 18. Grawell had gone to Rome, to be sent back to America. 19. He went out into the street to find himself alone. 20. But life isn’t hard to manage when you’ve nothing to loose. 21. She was certainly lovely to look at. 22. They had to run awful risks. 23. Soon I began to under stand him. 24. She stopped as if to ask him a question. 25. To tell you the truth, the park deserves its name only in winter. 26. I was hungry enough to enjoy my coffee and rolls. 27. To be exact, it was in 1924.
Ex. 15. Use the verbs in brackets in the required firm.
1. I like (to give) presents to friends, but even more I like (to give) gifts. 2. She is so lucky (to have) such a good family, (to see) all live and care since childhood. 3. The dictionary seems (to belong) to my great-grandfather. It appears (to publish) ages ago. 4. The young man seemed (to study) Marion, and she gave him a cold stare. 5. The key to the clock was believed (to lose) some twenty years before. 6. One more window remained (to wash). 7. The child is so pale! She ought (to have) a change of food and air. 8. Well, sir, I want (to take) my words back. I’m sorry (to call) you names. 9. The case was urgent. The man had (to operate on). 10. He was sorry (not to notice) the fax on the secretary’s table. 11. But what kind of rules might (to require)? 12. The rules (to leave) to the Government to decide. 13. Everybody is going (to give) a rise. 14. Parenthood, someone once said, is the only 24-hour-a-day job for which you (not to pay) overtime. 15. The country is considered (to make) enormous progress this year. 16. English people don’t like (to tell) what to do.
Ex. 16. Translate into English using infinitives.
1. Я счастлива пригласить вас на вечер. 2. Хочу, чтобы мне рассказали эту историю. 3. Роберт не собирается обвинять. 4. Он не предполагал, что его обвинят. 5. Мне жаль, что побеспокоила вас. 6. Дети любят выдумывать разные истории. 7. Он, кажется, знает всех в городе. 8. У меня создалось впечатление, что моему хозяину нельзя угодить. 9. Теперь ваша очередь рассказать мне о себе. 10. Мы поднялись на главную трибуну (the grandstand), чтобы наблюдать скачки. 11. Простите, что разбудил вас. 12. Мне не нравится, когда меня обманывают. 13. Вы сошли с ума, если думаете, что я пошевелю хоть пальцем (to raise a finger), чтобы помочь вам. 14. Я рад, что дал вам эту книгу. 15. Она увидела меня, улыбнулась, и я вышел ей навстречу.
Ex. 17. Complete the following sentences using infinitives.
1. The idea was … . 2. What I want is … . 3. The main point is … . 4. To travel means … . 5. The only thing to do was … . 6. To tell a white lie is … . 7. To live is … . 8. To be up to date means … . 9. My telephone number is … . 10. This girl is … . 11. The secret of life is … . Money is … . 13. This code is … .
Ex. 18. Use to before the infinitives where possible.
1. We did everything we could … make him … join us. 2. You can’t … make me… do what I don’t want … . 3. Are sure you can … afford … waste another year? 4. You need … take more care of yourself. 5. It would be very foolish … let the child … have his way. 6. Let the next student … come in now. 7. We’d rather … take a train than … fly. 8. Why not … go with us? Let’s … have fun! 9. You’d better … stay in bed not … make your cold … get worse. 10. I need a car … get to my country-house. 11. We heard the postman … come up to the front door and then we saw him … slip a thick envelope into the box. 12. He can’t but … admire her beauty and talent. 13. You ought … have told me all this before. 14. We got them … rebuild the house. 15. He was seen … enter the house through the back door. 16. – What made you … terrorize me? – I was made … do it. Will you be able … let your son … decide his future?
Ex. 19. Make up sentences using the following infinitive phrases parenthetically.
1. to start with; 2. to make a long story short, 3. not to speak; 4. to say honestly; 5. to tell the truth; 6. so to speak; 7. to be quite truthful; 8. to speak candidly; 9. to go into particulars; 10. to be more exact.
Ex. 20. Translate into English using infinitives.
1. Жизнь слишком коротка, чтобы понапрасну тратить время. 2. Мисс Темпл поднялась рано, чтобы успеть на первый автобус. 3. Сказать правду было невозможно для нее, и поэтому ей пришлось придумать историю. 4. Новость была слишком хороша, чтобы поверить в нее. 5. Кто говорит, что жизнь скучна? Ведь есть книги, которые можно читать, картины, которыми можно восхищаться, музыка, которая может соответствовать нашему настроению. 6. Он недостаточно жесток, чтобы сказать ей это в лицо. 7. Не волнуйся, мы встретимся, чтобы поговорить за рюмкой коньяка и решить все проблемы человечества. 8. Я решил прогуляться, но пошел мелкий дождь, и мне пришлось вернуться домой. 9. Бетси имела обыкновение подниматься в мою комнату, чтобы рассказать мне историю перед сном. 10. Дети начали смеяться все сразу, чтобы через минуту понять, как жестока была шутка. 11. Хильда Робертс достаточно умна, чтобы быть самой лучшей ученицей в классе. 12. Оратор выдержал значительную паузу в начале речи, чтобы привлечь внимание аудитории. 13. По правде говоря, ты достаточно взрослый, чтобы решить, что хорошо для тебя. 14. Синди планирует работать все лето, чтобы заработать деньги на юридическую школу. 15. А теперь я лучше остановлюсь, чтобы не вызвать новых проблем, мягко говоря. 16. У нее власть управлять людьми. И как же трудно иметь с ней дело! 17. Они понимали, что у них недостаточно акций, чтобы получить контроль над компанией. 18. Ты слишком молод, чтобы уйти в отставку. 19. Любить значит жертвовать. 20. Слова этой песни легко запомнить.
Predicative constructions with the Infinitive
Ex. 1. Read the text and retell it. Find the cases of the complex objects in it.
“Do you remember, maxim? What I told you about the standards I want you to have when you are a big boy, and when you are a man?” “Yes, Papa. You said a gentleman never tells a lie.” “That’s correct, but now I’m afraid I must amend that statement. I wish you to revise what I said to you last week. I have to change my opinion … I believe it to be perfectly all right for a gentleman to tell a lie if it is a matter of life and death… if it is to save his life. Or the lives of others, of course. I want you to remember that a man must have valour, honour and nobility if he is to be of great character. I want you to remember that when you grow up.” “Yes, Papa, I will.”
(after B. Bradford)
Ex. 2.
Translate the sentences. Remember the meanings of the verbs make, get, lead, cause:
1. Pressure causes ice to melt. 2. Limitation on power causes the usefulness of the water boiler to be very limited. 3. A single alpha-particle, in passing through the tube, is able to create sufficient ions to cause a discharge to occur. 4. Our results lead us to assign to the system an important role. 5. It is usually rather difficult to get nitrogen to combine with other elements. 6. Attractive forces may make molecules collide. 7. The evidence is so far not restrictive and can be made to fit almost any model. 8. Actually an electron has too little mass to make one whole atom in the molecule vibrate relative to the rest.
Ex. 3. Define the structure of objective predicative constructions with the infinitive in the following sentences.
1. She made her come down to the front. 2. Nick’s father ordered some water to be put on the stove. 3. He never wants anyone to carry anything. 4. Paul suppressed a shiver, and forced himself to ask the question uppermost in his mind. 5. … everyone knew him to be feeling fine. 6. He dressed well and he liked his clothes to be properly looked after. 7. I told him everything except where I believed the papers to be hidden. 8. She caused a telegram to be sent to him. 9. I thought the English were stiff, but it’s wonderful the way you make me feel at home. 10. He wanted them all three to walk down the street. 11. He saw the girl leave her chair and trip swiftly across the floor to the newcomer. 12. After a ten-minute wait I watched the train pull out. 13. Perhaps his wordless gaze had caused her to break silence. 14. Jennie was intensely sorry. She had never heard Lester complain before. 15. How can you expect anyone to think well of us when such things are written about us? 16. Her smile was friendly and she made you feel, that she was really pleased to see you.
Ex. 4. Insert the particle to in objective predicative constructions with the infinitive where necessary.
1. The room made him … feel embarrassed. 2. They want me … run out. 3. When I heard him … go downstairs I went down after him. 4. She could not bring herself … tell him about Vesta. 5. Paul felt his heart … melt. 6. Suddenly he saw her … rise and … turn away. 7. At first he had believed them … be married. 8. The colonel ordered everyone … wear a gas mask. 9. My feelings as a father and a husband compel me … ask you yet again whether you will not reconsider your decision. 10. I forced him … eat, and after luncheon I induced him … lie down, but he couldn’t sleep. 11. I told the driver … take me to the hospital fast. 12. I never knew him … stand and … look at the beautiful, calm face. 13. She let her eyes … rest on Jan’s scarcely touched tray. 14. She made George … acknowledge that it was no use to throw away all the beautiful things. 15. And, returning with the packet in her hand, she suddenly observed Richard … emerge from the drawing-room. 16. Did you see Miss Perbmarch … enter or … leave the house? 17. Middle age and pressure of business forced him … give up hunting. 18. She persuaded him … see a doctor.
Ex. 5. Form objective predicative constructions with the infinitive out of the elements in brackets.
1. I don’t wish (you, to understand) me. 2. When he came in he wanted to call you, but I persuaded (he, to wait) until morning. 3. I cannot allow (you, to throw) away an enormous property like this. 4. Soames must have been pressing (she, to go) back to him again, with public opinion and the law on his side, too! 5. Then she turned to the window and asked (me, to open) it. 6. Now, can I trouble (you, to come) in here? 7. I saw (my mother, to pause) and (to put) her hand to her forehead. 8. He controlled himself, and clenching his teeth, set (oneself, to read). 9. She laughed and I heard (she, to strike) a match. 10. Old Jolyon watching from his corner saw (his brother’s face, to change). 11 Maybe I could get (he, to pay) her seventy-five a week. 12. He was well set up too, a good figure, blemished only by an accident at football which caused (he, to turn) in his right foot slightly when he walked. 13. The daughter turned uneasily not because it irritated her to work, but because she hated (people, to guess) at the poverty that made it necessary. 14. He flushed indignantly but forced (oneself, to answer) … 15. He could trust his cook to send in a meal that his guests would take pleasure in eating and desired (his parlour-maid, to wait) with neatness and dispatch. 16. I felt they expected (I, to say) clever things, and I never could think of any till after the party was over. 17. It was a serene, quiet, satisfied smile – and again Renisent felt (a tide of revolt, to rise) in her. 18. That at all events she understood, and then she heard (he, to bolt) the door. 19. From now on I’ll have (you, to know) this is my business. 20 That’s the way I meant (it, to be).
Ex. 6. Reword the sentences according to the example.
Example: The boy was playing football in the yard (see).
We saw the boy play football in the yard.
1. They came back at once (make).
2. You must do it yourself (want).
3. The boy said something in a low voice (hear).
4. She is waiting for Mary (believe).
5. He is a very talented actor (know).
6. My son is going to become a surgeon (want).
7. The girl was singing a very lovely song (hear).
8. The man quickly crossed the street and turned round the corner (see).
9. You should help your friend (ask).
10. They often come late (hate).
Ex. 7. Complete the following sentences so as to use objective predicative constructions with the infinitive.
1. She saw two of the girls… . 2. I have never heard… . 3. She felt the wind… . 4. Andrew Manson considered his work… . 5. They had no money, no experience, nothing but a desire to make a dream… . 6. He watched and suddenly he saw her… . 7. He liked to see people… . 8. Well, I let them… . 9. The window was open, and he could hear somebody… . 10. She was a sleep when we returned from the market, but at once got up when she heard us… . 11. Will you come over and watch me… . 12. You will then allow me… . 13. I say that certain things are to be done, but I don’t order anybody… . 14. He was right, but something warned me… . 15. Obviously, he was not so strong as she had thought him… . 16. I am sorry but my experience compels me… . 17. She had been almost afraid to ask him and when she forced herself… . 18. When you get this, I won’t be here and I want you not… . 19. There was a shock and he felt himself… .
Ex. 8. Translate the sentences into English.
1. Я слышала, как кто-то позвал меня. 2. Все ожидали, что она выйдет замуж за Пита. 3. Она заставила меня написать им письмо. 4. Мы никогда не слышали, как он говорит по-английски. 5. Она видела, что он остановился и вынул что-то из кармана. 6. Почему вы так думаете? 7. Я хочу, чтобы вы сами поговорили с деканом. 8. Мы ожидали, что он придет в субботу. 9. Она не позволяла им оскорблять себя. 10. Я хочу, чтобы у тебя было доброе имя и хорошая репутация. 11. Я знаю, что он очень опытный преподаватель. 12. Его родители не разрешают ему приходить поздно.
Ex. 9. Point out subjective predicative constructions with the infinitive in the following sentences. Translate the sentences into Russian.
1. But I don’t happen to know anything. 2. The tomb appeared to be that of the king. 3. You would never be likely to fall in love with me. 4. It doesn’t seem to do her any harm, that’s the cheeriest thing about it. 5. We are working now and we’ll be sure to pay you Saturday. 6. I was not sure how a reporter was supposed to behave on occasions like this. 7. Blanch Stroeve loved working about the studio she happened to be living and took pride in keeping it in apple-pie order. 8. He thinks she is a stenographer but she turns out to be a writer. 9. A motor containing foreigners is quite likely to have been noticed. 10. We have not been required to undertake any work. 11. I don’t happen to see any difference between them. 12. That is supposed to be a rose.
Ex. 10. Define the meaning of the verb and word groups with which subjective predicative constructions with the infinitive are used.
1. He could be made to fight easily enough. 2. He was known to be nearsighted. 3. Your lungs appeared to be all right. 4. …on the following afternoon James chanced to be a witness of some resulting actions. 5. Children appear to go through definite stages as they develop. 6. He seemed to be wondering whether much anxiety of mind had affected his eyesight. 7. I have often thought, Lester, if mamma had not been compelled to worry so much she might be alive today. 8. The past I looked at seemed to have its reality. 9. They were seen to just touch each other’s hand. 10. After that Tommy was forced to admit the prospect looked dreary. 11. But he was expected to go down to keep up his father’s prestige. 12. She seemed to know most of the Blackstable news. 13. Before Krebs went away to the war he had never been allowed to drive the family motor-car. 14. But perhaps her father could be induced to remain silent. 15. They’ve been known to chap holes in the roof. 16. Jennie was finally compelled to tell Vesta that Lester’s fortune had been dependant on his leaving her. 17. …the two sides are expected to meet again next week. 18. So he was found to be unfit for active service… 19. …when he was brought to Charing Cross Hospital life was found to be extinct.
Ex. 11. Recast the following sentences so as to use subjective predicative constructions with the infinitive.
1. It seems that he is not in the habit of coming in time. 2. They say that he is honest. 3. A group of people at the gangway saw that the boat came into harbour. 4. It appeared that he had done it well. 5. It was not likely that he was going to be drawn into an argument. 6. The man had read his papers, it seemed. 7. It is very unlikely they would allow her to see visitors at this time of night. 8. It was felt that she was perfectly capable of taking care of herself. 9. It is believed that his advice was ignored. 10. It appeared that Betty was delighted. 11. It is pretty unlikely that they would approve of it. 12. It appears that they have some difficulties with the car.
Ex. 12. Choose any sentence and use it in your own situation.
1. Then we came nearer, and I seemed to recognize it. 2. She seemed to see nothing. 3. She seemed to be making very lame excuses. 4. The newcomer seemed to feel that he ought to enter the spirit of this ling-distance conversation. 5. He seemed scarcely to see her. 6. She seemed to speak every language with ease. 7. By the way, I seem to know the name. 8. She seemed to be much more at home there. 9. She seemed to have been out for a moment.
Ex. 13. Insert the required form of the infinitive in brackets.
1. Garraway looked at Poirot with some surprise. He seemed (to wait) for more.
2. Philip Bossiney was known (to be) a young man without fortune.
3. He is supposed (to bury) In Westminster Abbey.
4. Perhaps she had mentioned the fact already to Rebecca but this young lady didn’t appear (to remember) it.
5. The ship was seen (to leave) the harbour.
6. The murderer is sure (to discover) unless they help him.
7. Do you happen (to see) a crocodile in these parts?
8. Edwin seemed (to look) for something in the grass ever since dinner time.
9. She was heard (to sing) a popular tune.
10. He invited confidences and I seemed (to give) him far too many. I said to him, “We seem (to become) friendly in a very short time”.
11. This Baron seems (to be) a very important man and (live) like a king.
12. We seemed (to walk) some distance and were in another part of the castle.
Ex. 14. Complete the following sentences so as to use subjective infinitive constructions.
1.The girl seems… . 2. The weather appears… . 3. You are supposed… . 4. Our friends are sure… . 5. It is wonderful how everything seems… . 6. He said somebody was supposed… . 7. Everything that morning seemed… . 8. Several thousand people are expected… . 9. Your home during the last few years seems… . 10. I will not deny that several times I was tempted… . 11. None will accompany me, and I am forced… . 12. It’s hard for us to understand how such a thing is permitted… . 13. As a result, when they were told…, they did it. 14. She was sure that he should be made… . 15. I admit he seemed… . 16. What time are you supposed… ? 17. The train was seen… . 18 This was supposed… . 19. They might be made… .
Ex. 15. Translate into English using subjective infinitive constructions.
1. Говорят, что он живет где-то на Крайнем Севере. 2. Считали, что она прекрасно играет в теннис. 3. Известно, что в России книги издаются на многих языках. 4. Было известно, что он принимал участие в этой экспедиции. 5. Можно считать, что этот вопрос уже решен. 6. Вряд ли игра закончиться в ничью. 7. Она оказалась хорошим врачом. 8. Я уверена, что вам понравится этот спектакль. 9. Новая картина молодого художника, выставленная в музее, оказалась интересной. 10. Похоже на то, что она приняла его предложение. 11. Как оказалось, вопрос был не по существу. 12. Вероятно, вам придется некоторое время подождать. 13. Говорят, что его старшая сестра занимается плаванием уже три года. 14. Я, кажется, знаю этого человека. В юности он был бегуном, а теперь, говорят, он тренирует молодых спортсменов. 15. Известно, что первые Олимпийские игры состоялись в 1896 году в Афинах. 16. Кажется, этот пассажир не выходит из каюты уже 2 дня. С ним что-нибудь случилось? – Да, он страдает морской болезнью.
Ex. 16. Point out the for-to-infinitive constructions in the following sentences. Translate the sentences.
1. So now she waited for Frank to speak. 2. Helen waited many days for something to happen, but it did not. 3. Theodora sat and waited for Violet to speak. 4. “We have a number of interesting personalities I shall be glad for you to meet,” said Elsie. 5. I have arranged for Sister Marie to board with her. 6. I should have thought it would be much easier for you to stand that. 7. “That’s easy for you to say,” began Gordon, his eyes narrowing. 8. You all used to be so sweet and living to each other, it was a joy for me to see you. 9. Theodora waited for the clear glaze of morning to split. 10. It was impossible for me to persuade myself that this urgent desire of his of disinterested. 11. In a minute it would be fitting for me to take my leave. 12. They were grouped about the mother, waiting for something to happen. 13. She decided that she would wait for Holstius to come.
Ex. 17. Define the function of the for-to-infinitive constructions. Translate the sentences.
1. Theodora Goodman sat in the hall near the reception desk and waited for somebody to come. 2. My friend motioned for him to come in. 3. Well, seventy was the outside limit, it was then time, George said, for them to go and leave their money for the children. 4. In their shrill laughter he found a terrible dissonance that made him pray for the twilight to come. 5. “You should ask your Violet Adams to Merve,” said mother, waiting for father to bring round the horses. 6. “It’s not for me to disagree there,” said Jolyon, “but that’s all quite beside the mark.” 7. She waited for Violet to say something. 8. “When will you marry me?” “Are you ready for me to marry you?” 9. It was good experience for me to see it to its completed form. 10. “This question of company,” he said, “is something for me to decide.” 11. The lady was speaking too fast for me to catch what she said. 12. It would not be possible for a human and intelligent person to invent a rational excuse for slavery. 13. They told him to be a good boy and wait for them to come home in the evening. 14. It was instinctive now for him to take her into his confidence. 15. Theodora sat down. Confident her intuition would identify, she waited for Lieselotte to appear. 16. They thought it was better for me to live in a place like this.
Ex. 18. Form for-to-infinitive constructions using the words in brackets in the appropriate form.
1. Although it was a busy section, it would be hard for (I, to name) the business that comprised its activity. 2. I’m going to ring the bell for (the visitors, to go). 3. It’s a bit technical here and there for (I, to follow). 4. It is not necessary for (I, to explain) that we are twins. 5. Waiting for (the hymn, to stop) she watched the light blaze. 6. Ann waited for (she, to go). 7. It was easy enough for (the drivers, to get) in that way. 8. It is so unusual for (a man, to bring) home a thing like this. 9. It’s no easy thing for (I, to get hold) of it. 10. He didn’t answer and I waited for some time for (he, to speak). 11. Now I longed for (they, to return). 12. It would be fine for (her folks, to have her back home) after so much traveling around. 13. He listened to her with what looked like polite interest, putting in now and then a remark in a voice too low for (I, to catch).
Additional material
Ex. 1. Translate the following sentences defining predicative infinitive constructions and the functions of the infinitives.
1. The radius of our orbit is believed to be increasing very slowly.
2. The copper to be refined is cast into large plates.
3. This property allows the alpha particle to be detected.
4. The source is so weak as to add comparatively few additional counts above the background.
5. There appear to be two distinct effects in this case.
6. Electrons can be made to travel at very high speeds.
7. The idea of nuclear charge and atomic number is now realized to be most important.
8. The cooling is effected by methods to be discussed in the next chapter.
9. A certain period of time must be allowed for the oil drops to be removed by the electric field or by precipitation.
10. There appears to be direct evidence of the existence of negative electrons in matter.
11. The distance d was calculated from equation 1—25and found to be 2.814 Angstroms.
12. The best agreement is to be found in the case of carbonic acid.
13. In our discussion the nucleus will be taken to beat rest.
14. We may suppose the alpha-particles within the nucleus to be in motion.
15. Ordinary objects are not likely to move with a velocity approaching the velocity of light.
16. The lithium nucleus is too small for so many collisions to occur.
17. Secondary radiation may be expected to rise when the primary radiations are observed.
18. Light is to be considered as some kind of wave motion of electromagnetic origin.
19. There is no reason for the conversion of mechanical into radiated energy to be continuous.
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20. Alpha-rays were shown to be identical, no matter from what radioactive element they are emitted.
21. There is no definite molecular weight to be ascribed to water when in a liquid state.
22. Pitchblende was shown by X-ray and emission examination to have been a mixed salt.
23. It will be necessary for the observer to remain in the dark at least ten or fifteen minutes to accustom his eyes to the darkness.
24. In liquids and solids the movement of molecules must be supposed to be more restricted.
25. One may consider the charge-exchange reaction to have been established under these conditions.
26. Radium appeared to be an element, whose salts were found to be isomorphous with the corresponding salts of barium.
27. The proportion of colouring matter to be mixed with a body depends chiefly on the effect to be produced.
28. The nucleus of every atom is assumed to contain enough protons to account for the nuclear charge.
29. At first the alpha-rays were thought to be undeviated by the magnetic fields.
30. As information accumulated, it became possible to plan experiments that were likely to yield the material sought for.
31. During the Dark Ages people believed the Earth to be flat.
32. All circumstances likely to affect the accuracy of the measurements should be carefully observed.
33. Samples of two ores from a region known to be geologically very old have ages close to 2000 million years.
34. When a current is said to be flowing from the positive
3* pole of a battery towards the negative pole, actually electrons are running in the opposite direction.
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35. To test for a soluble iodide one adds to a test tube containing the solution to be tested, one cubic centimeter of carbon bisulphate, and a few cubic centimeters of chlorine water and shakes the mixture vigorously.
36. To maintain a constant temperature in a small or large container was for years and still is a very important technical problem because most precise physical and chemical experiments require the temperature of the object to be constant at the moment when the readings or any other kind of observation are made.
37. The speed of the particles (about ten thousand miles per second) is a bit too swift for us to study in detail.
38. Any metal will displace another metal, occupying a lower position in the activity series, from a solution of any of the salts of the second metal, provided that the metal to be displaced is not very far above hydrogen,
39. The equilibrium methods of measuring relative activities allow the substance whose relative activities are to be measured to come to equilibrium and to determine the conditions of the equilibrium.
i 40. We consider the hotness or coldness of any body to depend on the quantity of heat possessed by the body.
41. Ions have been found by numerous experiments to move as easily through a jell as through the liquid solution.
42. One of the main objects of experiments on mesons has been to determine whether the properties of the particles found in cosmic rays fit the predictions of the meson theory started by Yukawa.
43. Galacturonic acid was shown by Hagglund and his collaborators to be present in the sulphite liquors from pinewood.
44. A body with total kinetic energy reduced to zero would not be able to transfer heat to any other body and might then be said to be at the absolute zero temperature.
45. With an increased production of uranium in recent years interest in uranium steel is reviving again and its
outstanding properties make it seem likely to earn for itself a favourable position among special alloy steels.
46. For the growth to continue steps must be formed gradually at ordinary temperature.
47. We must discuss the actual values of — x for contacts between metals and insulators, and see whether they are likely to be small enough for any current to pass.
48. To begin with a simple example, let us in the first place, without troubling about velocity, consider the question of the number of molecules which on the average are to be found in a definite volume of element W.
49. The streams of ionized particles assumed to be emitted at the time of flares and to escape sometimes from the solar atmosphere and reach the Earth, giving rise to sudden magnetic storms, also have velocities of the right order.
50. The condition for the rays SA and SB to reinforce each other on reuniting at P is that their light paths differ by an integral number of wave lengths.
51. It is quite common to use the so-called probable error, or the error for which there seems to be an even chance of existing in the case of anyone observation.
52. In astronomical subjects it is customary to print to a high contrast in order to render visible details likely (or even certain) to be otherwise missed.
53. The theorists were not sure whether what the observers considered to be the brightest stars in a galaxy were actually stars.
54. In the present discussion observations of declination have been accepted as likely to provide the best representation of the sun's longitude.
55. The discussion of too many details and special cases does not seem to be desirable, since it is likely to obscure the fundamentally important points.