Dialogue

Harry: Nora! Nora!

Nora: (Coming into the room) Yes, what it is now, Harry?

Harry: Oh, there you are. Look here, Nora, I’m tired of lying here on my back with nothing to do. I hate doing nothing.

Nora: Don’t be silly, Harry. You’ve got a temperature, and staying in bed is the only sensible thing to do. Now just be quiet, and stop preventing me from doing my housework.

Harry: No, seriously, Nora, I can’t bear it. Lying flat on my back!

Nora: Well then, try lying on your stomach for a change!

Harry: Stop being funny. I’m going to get up. There! Look, I’m standing up. I’m quite all right. What’s the use of staying in bed?

Nora: I think you’re being very silly. You’ll only make your temperature go up again.

Harry: It’s no use talking, Nora — being ill doesn’t suit me.

Nora: No — and trying to nurse you doesn’t suit me!

Harry: Now don’t be bitter about it. You know I’m grateful to you for looking after me. But you mustn’t try to keep me in bed like a naughty boy.

Nora: Well, you began it, by behaving like a naughty boy.

Harry: I’m all against this staying in bed for no reason.

Nora: Harry, being ill is a reason … Now don’t stand by that window and catch another cold … Let me see, half past eleven —

Harry: Why do you keep looking at the clock?

Nora: I’m expecting Mother — she’s coming over for the day.

Harry: Good heavens! I didn’t know that.

Nora: Yes, I think she has something she wants to talk to you about.

Harry: Oh heavens! Has she? (groans) … You know, Nora I do feel a bit ill; perhaps I had better get back to bed.

Nora: (Disingenuously) Oh, what a pity! I thought perhaps you might stay up to see her.

Harry: (To himself) That’s the very reason I’m getting back into bed!

Nora: What did you say?

Harry: Oh, er — nothing.

Meet the Parkers

The infinitive

Exercise 1.

State the form of the infinitive.

1. Aunt Ann didn’t ask him to explain this strange utterance. (Galsw.)

2. I would give a great deal to know what is behind that affair. (A. Chr.)

3. But these people are illogical, they want to be reassured by your telling them what they want to believe. (A. Chr.)

4. “When you’ve got time to listen,” he said crossly, “you might be interested in discussing the poor house question with me.” (F.F.)

5. Now he discussed what he ought to have said instead of what he said. (S.M.)

6. “Damn,” said Lord Caterham, springing up from an armchair in which he appeared to have been taking forty winks. (A. Chr.)

7. I say to you — I believe them to be burnt. (A. Chr.)

8. “Dear me,” said Virginia, “I seem to have been frightfully indiscreet.” (A. Chr.)

9. I was not going to have come all this way for nothing … (M. D.)

10. The twist of her imagination which, two months before, had disclosed to her unguessed desire to see him again, seemed now to have been leading up to this dance. (F.F.)

11. Though his father is known to have been either English or Irish, he himself has worked chiefly in Paris. (A. Chr.)

12. At that hour people were less likely to be coming in or going out. (Un. Is.)

13. “it is a very curious thing,” he said slowly, “but Miss Marple happens to have hit upon the truth.” (A. Chr.)

14. I felt she must be suffering, and I did not want to see a pain which I could not help. (S.M.)

Exercise 2.

Use the infinitive in brackets in the required form of the active or passive voice.

1. And now that she was going to live in the country there was a chance for her (to turn) over a new leaf. (Galsw.)

2. There was something about a dress in her bag that had (to iron). (J. Sal.)

3. We seem (to say) all there is (to say) — except good night. (A. Chr.)

4. I wanted no one (to take) notice of me, so that I could observe these famous creatures at my ease … (S.M.)

5. “Well,” he said, “there’s nothing more (to see) here.” (A. Chr.)

6. Did he ever ask you (to engage) or talk about marrying? (Cus.)

7. I wanted (to persuade) her (to clear) things up — I mean to let things (to clear) up by you. (A. Chr.)

8. She would forgive him, because it was not a matter of any moment but rather something (to brush) aside lightly. (F.F.)

9. Henet was one of those people whose fate is (to devote) to others and to have no one devoted to them. (A. Chr.)

10. I hoped that I should never (to send) to that war. (M.D.)

11. Outside men’s voices could (to hear). (S.M.)

12. The cows wound into the yard at evening (to milk). (White)

Exercise 3.

Use the infinitive in brackets in the perfect or non-perfect form.

1. She was relieved (to feel) she need not investigate, and probably would never hear the reason for this quarrel. (White)

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. (F.F.)

3. I started (to walk) on tiptoe. (J. Rh.)

4. She is not likely (to take) him into her confidence. (A. Chr.)

5. I’ve tried (to plan) you a house here with some self-respect of its own. (Galsw.)

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. (A. Chr.)

7. We must (to sit) there, with scarcely a word, for well over an hour. (F.F.)

8. What happened is a very long time ago, I’m going (to ask) her to let bygones be bygones. (Galsw.)

9. If she had done so, she would have been sure (to mention) the fact at once. (A. Chr.)

10. It had been the Christmas Eve custom of the Carters’ (to hang up) their children’s stockings and (to fill) them with inexpensive toys. (Un. Is.)

11. He promised (to come) and (to see) them before he left. (Un. Is.)

12. She watched him with lips parted ready (to speak) at any minute. (J.M.)

13. I am a person who likes (to cross) a “t” and dot an “i”. (S.M.)

14. I had no cases of special interest (to attend). (A. Chr.)

15. “Everyone seems (to be dying),” she said with a certain relish. (A. Chr.)

16. Irene’s gone upstairs with a splitting headache. She wanted (to go) with you but I made her (to go) to bed. (F.F.)

Exercise 4.

Use the infinitive in brackets in the required form of the active voice.

1. Tomorrow is going (to be) different from what anything in the past has been. (A.H.)

2. Poirot seemed (to debate) the matter in his mind. (A. Chr.)

3. Bossinney’s office was in Sloane Street, close at hand, so that he would be able (to keep) his eye continually on the plans. (Galsw.)

4. “King Victor?” he said reflectively … “Somehow, I seem (to hear) the name.” (A. Chr.)

5. I want (to see) what’s going on outside. (A.H.)

6. (To make) matters worse, all during the month of August she had been visited by her cousin Bernice from Ean Claire, and it seemed impossible (to see) her alone. (F.F.)

7. “I perceive,” said Jolyon, “that you are trying (to kill) two birds with one stone.” (Galsw.)

8. Victor dug me in the ribs. “You’re supposed (to take) notes. You can (to write) this one up if you like.” (M.D.)

9. You will express to your people my regrets at not being able (to be) of service to them. (D. Rob.)

10. Soames liked (to talk) during dinner about business or what he had been buying and so long as he talked Irene’s silence didn’t distress him. (Galsw.)

11. She seemed (to lose) her difference. (Galsw.)

12. I liked people (to be) straightforward. (A. Chr.)

13. I know myself that I shouldn’t like (to live) on my own because I do get very confused sometimes. (A. Chr.)

14. Although she seemed (to listen) to Doreen, only half of her mind heard what she was saying. (Cus.)

15. Let him (to go) to centres of culture and civilization. (E.H.)

16. She seemed (to make) very lame excuses, and James didn’t look at her. (Galsw.)

Exercise 5.

Use the infinitive in brackets in the required form.

1. I suppose you’re not going (to be) down here very long? (A. Chr.)

2. He appeared (to do) business with them. (D. Rob.)

3. Poirot rubbed his hands together and smiled cheerfully. He seemed (to enjoy) himself. (A. Chr.)

4. Natural thing would be for them (to stay) at the Ritz or Claridge’s or some other big hotel somewhere. (A. Chr.)

5. I’m deeply sorry (to involve) you in this. (I.M.)

6. Don’t expect comfort. You’ve just got (to be) thankful if we get a bed (to sleep) on and a roof over our heads. (S.M.)

7. “Perhaps”, suggested Rollock, “the man didn’t want (to see) turning into the house from the road.” (A. Chr.)

8. At last Mor allowed himself (to persuade). (I.M.)

9. “What about (to come) in and (to wash) up?” he asked suddenly. “No, thanks,” said John. “I ought (to go) home — my wife’ll be worried.” (F.F.)

10. I began (to walk) very slowly. (J. Rh.)

11. “Now I must (to go),” said the man, “and you young ladies walk off home.” (White)

12. He ought perhaps (to put) a spoke in the wheel of their marriage. (Galsw.)

13. He seemed (to be) in a brown study and I thought he hardly heard what we were saying. (S.M.)

Exercise 6.

Point out verbal and noun characteristics of the infinitive in the following sentences.

1. I was standing at the meat counter, waiting for some rib lamb chops to be cut. (J. Sal.)

2. Your work here was to help Sir Gervase with the book he was writing. (A. Chr.)

3. He was not to spend at the outside more than twelve thousand and fifty pounds. (Galsw.)

4. What he is going to do is still in the doubt. (Dr.)

5. Wilson was standing by while we gave the cabman instructions, for we had given him a lift to save him the hot dusty walk. (S.M.)

6. Your father is not to be disturbed. (White)

7. Monsieur and Madame Renard gave a party to celebrate the engagement of their daughter. (S.M.)

8. A great temptation came to Utterson to open the envelope at once. (Steve)

9. Do you think it would do any good to try to get hold of Waker? (J. Sal.)

10. “Oh, dear,” Mr. Boggis said clasping his hands. “There I go again. I should have never started this in the first place.” “You can’t back out now, a deal is a deal.” (St. L.)

11. Of course, I could promise to send it back next month, but — I’d better say three months. Just as soon as I start to sell drawings.

12. You needn’t worry, I shall be careful all right. (A. Chr.)

13. He wished to give her every chance. (Galsw.)

14. He ought perhaps to have put a spoke in the wheel of their marriage. (Galsw.)

15. He longed to go and say to him, “Look here, you sir! Are you going to jilt my granddaughter?” (Galsw.)

Exercise 7.

Insert the particle “to” before the infinitive where required.

1. Fall made him … clench his hands and … tremble and … repeat sentences to himself. (F.F.)

2. “So I don’t think you need … worry about it,” said Tuppence. (A. Chr.)

3. Heater was really frightened now and even Mrs. Ogilvie was beginning to look as if she would rather … be somewhere else. (M.D.)

4. She watched Theodora’s hands … move as if they were about … reach out and … touch something. (White)

5. Before we were married you promised to let me … go if our marriage was not a success. (Galsw.)

6. What does it matter what made him … change his mind, as long as he has changed it (A. Chr.)

7. “Thanks,” Andrew answered, “I’d rather … see the cases myself.” (Cron.)

8. He saw him … turn to Irene and say something. (Galsw.)

9. This made everyone … run out of the house. (White)

10. I watched the car … crawl up the hill and … disappear. (A. Chr.)

11. He did not think the cheeses ought … be kept much longer. (J.K.J.)

Exercise 8.

Translate into Russian paying attention to the use of the particle “to” which implies the verb already mentioned.

1. I would like to help George to sing — the way I always wanted to myself and never could. (P.B.)

2. “I’m sorry, was I making a speech?” “You were beginning to.”

3. “Don’t tell me anything you don’t want to,” I said by way of encouraging him. (A. Chr.)

4. He has taken her hand because she expects him to. (White)

5. “Good-bye.” He shook hands. “I expect Evensford will be here if ever we want to come back.” “If ever we want to.” (Bates)

6. “Harry, would you like to give me a hand before you go out?” “Of course, Nora, I’d be pleased to.” (Meet the Parkers)

7. “Nora, you look a bit tired — what have you been doing all day?” “I’ve been cleaning the whole house.” “I said I was going to.” (Meet the Parkers)

8. And you want to go to a sanatorium? I think you ought to. (P.W.)

9. “Why not come down there for a bit?” said Bill hospitably. “Well, I’d love to, Bill, old man.” (P.W.)

10. Bill gaped. “I beg your pardon.” “I’m glad you have the grace to.” (P.W.)

11. I noticed for the first time how short he was; but he looked more distinguished than he used to. (S.M.)

Exercise 9.

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; Willingly, if you want me to; I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to; You are always welcome to; He didn’t ask me to; I intended to.

Exercise 10.

Define the function of the infinitive.

1. The meal was to have consisted, it seemed, of fried steak and potatoes, with tinned apricot and cream. (Bates)

2. It is dangerous to go against the majority. (Galsw.)

3. To get Irene out of London is the main thing — thought Soames. (Galsw.)

4. I wish to arrange my ideas with order and method. (A. Chr.)

5. As he walked to the office he decided to mention no facts or names within the walls of the studio. (F.F.)

6. It was a fixed principle with him never to allude to June. (Galsw.)

7. The accounts were already prepared on a folding table, and with a nod Soames sat down to study them. (Galsw.)

8. To get round to this window from the road on a night like last night would be a difficult and unpleasant proceeding. (A. Chr.)

9. … there, were instructions to be carried out. (Cron.)

10. To speak with her was impossible. (H. Cec.)

11. She went out to post the letter. (Un. Is.)

12. Swithin saw no necessity to laugh. (Galsw.)

13. To see this wonderful Mrs. Thompson’s performance is what I have come for. (A. Chr.)

14. It was a little difficult to know how to begin. (P.W.)

15. That’s no good to me — not if I’m going to live in England. (A. Chr.)

16. They rose to leave the place. (Galsw.)

Exercise 11.

Define the type of the adverbial modifier expressed by the infinitive.

1. Soft as a tom-cat, he crossed the room to press the bell. (Galsw.)

2. I’m too excited to be quiet. (A.H.)

3. Numerous other applicants were sent to see it. (A. Chr.)

4. The waiter knocked … and came in to take away the soup. (J. Rh.)

5. Rain followed him and sat down on a chair to look at the canvas. (J.M.)

6. He shook himself and looked to see the familiar streets. (I.M.)

7. There were always long lines of trolley cars waiting to start somewhere. (F.F.)

8. The Terrars only came to live here just over a year ago. (A. Chr.)

9. I got up and stood up at the door to see if it was raining. (E.H.)

10. Two or three times it needed just a touch of pressure to bring her to the point of tears. (F.F.)

11. We were told that the patient was too ill to see anyone that day. (S.M.)

12. … to hear him talk, you might imagine him to be — er, the Almighty. (A. Chr.)

13. I did not think there was anyone in the front room, but I went across to look. (M.D.)

14. I left my office to go out to lunch. (Un. Is.)

15. She stretched her arms out to embrace herself. (Galsw.)

16. They wouldn’t pay you enough to cover the bus fare. (M.D.)

Exercise 12.

Recast the following sentences so as to use the infinitive in the function of the attribute.

Model:

I have only a few minutes that I can spare.  I have only a few minutes to spare.

1. Who was the last person that arrived before me?

2. This is not the way how you should ask for something.

3. We had no alternative that we could choose.

4. There was nobody who could explain it to those people.

5. There is nobody to whom we could turn for advice.

6. Where is the packet that should be taken to the post-office?

7. Mr. Palmer is the only man to whom you can talk about this matter.

8. I need a pen with which I could write.

9. I have got a lot of friends to whom I could turn for help.

10. This is a nice place where one can sit and watch the busy traffic.

11. He is not a man who would ignore the views of his colleagues.

12. He is a very charming person with whom one can spend a nice evening.

13. He was the third that had invited me to the party.

14. He is not a man who would make fun of it.

15. You would have to know the address to which we could send it.

16. He felt that was the opportunity which he shouldn’t miss.

17. He bought himself brown shoes and a tie which would match it.

18. Her opinion was not one that could be neglected.

19. The gardeners were picking fruit which they could send to the market.

Exercise 13.

Combine the sentences so as to use the infinitive.

Model I:

Mr. Simpson is very old. He can’t work.  Mr. Simpson is too old to work.

Model II:

My cousin plays the violin well. He can give a concert.  My cousin plays the violin well enough to give a concert.

Model III:

The apple you gave me is so sour. I can’t eat it.  The apple you gave me is too sour for me to eat.

1. She is still young. She can’t travel to London alone.

2. John doesn’t earn much. He can’t buy it.

3. He was very late. He didn’t catch the 12:30 train.

4. I can see you aren’t clever. You can’t do these calculations in your head.

5. You don’t know the poem well. You can’t recite it in front of the class tomorrow.

6. He was very far. He couldn’t see what they were doing.

7. The water in the lake is very cold. I can’t bathe.

8. You are very quick. You can easily catch up with the group.

9. You don’t understand it. You are too young.

10. You are clever. You can answer any question.

11. The weather is warm. We can go out.

12. This tea is too hot. I can’t drink it.

13. You were too angry. You couldn’t speak.

14. It is so foggy today. I can’t drive the car there.

15. My cousin plays the piano very well. He can perform at a concert.

16. He has recovered. He can attend classes.

17. You work very slowly. You can’t catch up with us.

18. He is strong enough. He can climb up this mountain.

Exercise 14.

Make up sentences using the following infinitive phrases parenthetically.

1. to start with;

2. to make a long story short;

3. to say honestly;

4. to tell the truth;

5. so to speak;

6. to be quite truthful;

7. to speak candidly;

8. to go into particulars;

9. to be more exact

Exercise 15.

Recast the following sentences so as to use the Perfect Infinitive.

Model:

I am glad that I have seem the film. I’m glad to have seen the film.

1. I am sorry that I have disappointed you.

2. She is lucky because she had such a good teacher.

3. I am very pleased that I have met you.

4. We were disappointed when we heard that she had fallen ill.

5. We are pleased because we have been able to help you.

6. He is disappointed because he hasn’t been awarded the prize.

7. She is disappointed because she hasn’t received an invitation to that party.

8. The dean is sorry that he hasn’t been able to see you personally on that date.

9. I should be glad if I had been chosen for that job.

10. I should have been surprised if I had met him in the South.

11. He was very sorry that he hadn’t been able to join you.

12. He is very pleased that he has read this in the original.

13. I was lucky that I had visited that town.

Exercise 16.

Complete the following choosing a suitable infinitive from the list below.

1. But I quite see it is one of those things that has got … .

2. Now we can get our heads together and … what is best … .

3. Really it is too dreadful. One feels one must do something … oneself cheerful.

4. But nobody could … it for sure.

5. I’m going … my coffee now and I don’t want … anybody.

6. Don’t you think I’m old enough … of myself.

7. “Very good of you … me.” He shook hands with them both.

8. “This story made me … of him at once,” said Miss Marple.

9. You could taste the dirt in the air and it always seemed … .

10. “Whatever happens,” Michael thought, “I’ve got … or I shall be dropping a brick.”

11. Well, …, he wrote to me at the beginning of last month and said he was just off to a new job.

12. The whole town seemed … .

to think; to ask; to take care; to have; to see; to be asleep; to cut a long story short; to be done; to be raining; to keep; to do; to make

Exercise 17.

Complete the following using the infinitive

1. as predicative:

1. All they do is … .

2. To get straight to the best is … .

3. The only safe and sane thing to do was … .

4. What my father should do is … .

5. My original idea was … .

2. as subject:

   1. … is not my custom.

   2. … is quite unusual for her.

   3. … was the last thing any man wanted.

   4. … is a hardship.

3. as object:

1. I order … .

2. Has your mother persuaded you … .

3. It occurred to me … .

4. Don’t bother … .

4. as attribute:

1. He regretted his inability ... .

2. There is nothing … .

3. His wife was the first … .

5. as adverbial modifier of purpose:

1. The family had gathered … .

2. She might have dropped in … .

3. She bowed graciously and turned … .

4. We climbed up the mountain … .

5. He rose from his chair … .

6. as adverbial modifier of result:

1. The novel was easy enough … .

2. She was too sad … .

3. He couldn’t do enough … .

4. He knew enough of the country not … .

5. We are too aware of the fact not … .

6. He was too astonished … .