Predicative Constructions with the Infinitive

Exercise 1.

Point out objective predicative constructions with the infinitive in the following sentences. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. He felt his work to be directionless, merely “copy”. (F.F.)

2. She felt the wind blow cold on her back. (F.F.)

3. He watched her turn from him and run to the door. (Rob.)

4. I never saw a man pick up this work so fast. (F.F.)

5. I don’t even think they heard us come in. (J. Sal.)

6. I have watched you paint a picture. (White)

7. Fanny watched Frank push away his plate. (White)

8. I never before heard him speak so much. (S.M.)

9. He had seen tigresses in the Zoo walk just like that. (S.M.)

10. With my mind’s eye I saw Strickland throw his hat on a table … (S.M.)

11. I can watch your heart beat. (White)

12. Katina watched the slow smoke rise from white houses. (White)

13. “Well, what’s the matter?” She broke out finally. “Do you expect me to jump up and sing?” (F.F.)

14. He had married Judy Jones and seen her fade away before his eyes. (F.F.)

15. She heard the boots squeak among the trees. (White)

16. He can make anyone talk who needs help. (Maltz)

17. I saw one of the three men start for him and I saw this man’s face. (E.H.)

Exercise 2.

Define the structure of objective predicative constructions with the infinitive in the following sentences.

1. She made her come down to the front. (The Pocket Book)

2. Nick’s father ordered some water to be put on the stove. (E.H.)

3. He never wants anyone to carry anything. (E.H.)

4. Paul suppressed a shiver, and forced himself to ask the question uppermost in his mind. (Cron.)

5. … everyone knew him to be feeling fine. (Sill.)

6. He dressed well and he liked his clothes to be properly looked after. (S.M.)

7. I told him everything except where I believed the papers to be hidden. (A. Chr.)

8. She caused a telegram to be sent to him. (Galsw.)

9. I thought the English were stiff, but it’s wonderful the way you make me feel at home. (Galsw.)

10. He wanted them all three to walk down the street. (E. H.)

11. He saw the girl leave her chair and trip swiftly across the floor to the newcomer. (J. L.)

12. After a ten-minute wait I watched the train pull out. (J. Ch.)

13. Perhaps his wordless gaze had caused her to break silence. (Cron.)

14. Jennie was intensely sorry. She had never heard Lester complain before. (Dr.)

15. How can you expect anyone to think well of us when such things are written about us? (B.Sh.)

16. Her smile was friendly and she made you feel, that she was really pleased to see you. (Cus.)

Exercise 3.

Define the meaning of the verb with which objective predicative constructions with the infinitive are used.

1. I never heard him speak of those whose work had a certain analogy with his own. (S.M.)

2. Rusty was so busy he didn’t notice her come in. (J.Ch.)

3. Your wife says that nothing you can do will ever induce her to divorce you. (S.M.)

4. She was known very soon to be the perfect parlour-maid. (S.M.)

5. I didn’t mean you to hear, or that old person. (Galsw.)

6. Soames, glanced at her (Mrs. James) beneath his eyelids, nodded, and he saw Irene steal at him one of her unfathomable looks. (Galsw.)

7. So, I think I’d like you to know that it’s just well to be prepared, so that if she did go suddenly it wouldn’t be any shock to you. (A. Chr.)

8. … as we walked out into the snowy yard we saw the tail light of a car turn the corner at the end of the black alley. (F.F.)

9. She wanted him to see Ede with the other children — to see how dignified and polite she was. (F.F.)

10. Paul watched him destroy the street. (Cron.)

11. You could hardly have expected me to go to the garage. (P.W.)

Exercise 4.

Insert the particle “to” in objective predicative constructions with the infinitive where necessary.

1. The room made him … feel embarrassed. (The Pocket Book)

2. They want me … run out. (Cart.)

3. When I heard him … go downstairs I went down after him. (The Pocket Book)

4. She could not bring herself … tell him about Vesta. (Dr.)

5. Paul felt his heart … melt. (Cron.)

6. Suddenly he saw her … rise and … turn away. (Galsw.)

7. At first he had believed them … be married. (Dr.)

8. The colonel ordered everyone … wear a gas mask. (R. Ald.)

9. My feelings as a father and a husband compel me … ask you yet again whether you will not reconsider your decision. (R. Ald.)

10. I forced him … eat, and after luncheon I induced him … lie down, but he couldn’t sleep. (S.M.)

11. I never knew him … stand and … look at that beautiful, calm face. (Vickers)

12. She let her eyes … rest on Jan’s scarcely touched tray. (Cus.)

13. She made George … acknowledge that it was no use the throw away all the beautiful things. (S.M.)

14. And, returning with the packet in her hand, she suddenly observed Richard … emerge from the drawing-room. (Cron.)

15. Did you see Miss Perbmarch … enter or … leave the house? (A. Chr.)

16. … middle age and pressure of business forced him …give up hunting. (S.M.)

17. She persuaded him … see a doctor. (Dr.)

Exercise 5.

Form objective predicative constructions with the infinitive out of the elements in brackets.

1. I don’t wish (you, to understand) me. (Cron.)

2. When he came in he wanted to call you, but I persuaded (he, to wait) until morning. (Dr.)

3. I saw (my mother, to pause) and (to put) her hand to her forehead.

4. He controlled himself, and clenching his teeth, set (oneself, to read). (Cron.)

5. She laughed and I heard (she, to strike) a match. (Gr. Gr.)

6. Old Jolyon watching from his corner saw (his brother’s face, to change). (Galsw.)

7. Maybe I could get (he, to pay) her seventy-five a week. (J. Ch.)

8. 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. (Dr.)

9. He flushed indignantly but forced (oneself, to answer) … (Cron.)

10. 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. (S.M.)

11. I felt they expected (I, to say) clever things, and I never could think of any till after the party was over. (S.M.)

12. It was a serene, quiet, satisfied smile — and again Renisent felt (a tide of revolt, to rise) in her. (A. Chr.)

13. That at all events she understood, and then she heard (he, to bolt) the door. (S.M.)

14. From now on I’ll have (you, to know) this is my business. (Cus.)

15. That’s the way I meant (it, to be). (E.H.)

Exercise 6.

Recast the following sentences so as to use objective predicative constructions with the infinitive.

1. The judge ordered that the prisoner should be remanded.

2. I believe they are very good in physics and other pure sciences …

3. And she saw that the lower part of her face was twisted out of shape.

4. He gazed across at Grace … watching her as she dealt with the marmalade cheerfully and happily.

5. He felt that she was unreasonable and unjust.

6. He knew he was a bad leader.

7. I think his father is one of the heads in Universal Stores.

8. He thought I was just a kid to be ordered.

9. I don’t expect you’ll think of me.

10. I think both of you are too simple to be dishonest.

Exercise 7.

Complete the following 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 asleep when we returned from the market, but at once got up when she heard us … .

11. Will you come over and watch me … .

12. Obviously, he was not so strong as she had thought him …

13. I am sorry but my experience compels me … .

14. She had been almost afraid to ask him and when she forced herself … .

15. When you get this, I won’t be here and I want you not … .

Exercise 8.

Translate into English using objective predicative constructions.

1. Она видела, что он взял эту книгу.

2. Я не хочу, чтобы вы приходили так рано.

3. Вы заметили, как она ушла?

4. Я ожидаю, что она вернется около пяти.

5. Он не слышал, как его дочь вошла в комнату.

6. Вы слышали, как он говорит по-английски?

7. Его мать хочет, чтобы он стал врачом.

8. Я не спала и слышала, как она вышла из комнаты.

9. Я не ожидала, что они вернутся так скоро.

10. Я не могу понять, что заставило его отказаться от этой поездки.

11. Она не ожидала, что мы примем участие в этой конференции.

12. Она пропустила много занятий по болезни. Но мы предполагаем, что она быстро догонит группу.

13. Все считают ее умной и трудолюбивой.

Exercise 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. (J. Sal.)

2. You would never be likely to fall in love with me. (A. Chr.)

3. It doesn’t seem to do her any harm, that’s the cheeriest thing about it. (A. Chr.)

4. We are working now and we’ll be sure to pay you Saturday. (Dr.)

5. I was not sure how a reporter was supposed to behave on occasions like this. (M.D.)

6. Blanch Stroeve loved working about the studio she happened to be living in and took pride in keeping it in apple-pie order. (S.M.)

7. It’s thrilling to watch the blossoming of a young girl, particularly when she happens to be one’s daughter. (White)

8. He thinks she’s a stenographer but she turns out to be a writer. (F.F.)

9. She would be sure to throw her arms round his neck and say, “Oh, Jo, how I make you suffer!” (Galsw.)

10. A motor containing two foreigners is quite likely to have been noticed. (A. Chr.)

11. I don’t happen to see any difference between them. (J.Sal.)

12. That is supposed to be a rose (White)

Exercise 10.

Define the structure of subjective infinitive constructions with the infinitive in the following sentences.

1. “I’m not going to stand it,” he is declared to have said. (S.M.)

2. He seemed to be turning it over in his mind. (P.W.)

3. The changes are likely to be announced in the April Budget. (M.S.)

4. Recent attack of typhoid, from which he was thought to be recovering proves fatal. (Dr.)

5. The old man seemed to have lived a life on the roads. (F.C.)

6. The picture is supposed to be the passage of the Red Sea. (Cain)

7. Kilimandjaro is a snow covered mountain and is said to be the highest mountain in Africa. (E.H.)

8. The company was reported to be paying starvation wages to its black workers. (M.S.)

9. He was known to have refused office in the interests of his profession.

10. He was compelled to write his weekly review. (R. Ald.)

11. At the end of ten minutes he appeared to have solved his troubles with the machine. (Ward)

12. … he was known to be one of the best shots in England. (S.M.)

13. The two have been observed to meet daily during the past week in Richmond Park. (Galsw.)

14. He was forced to give up work last December because of chronic arthritis. (M.S.)

15. Saddie, as you know, did turn to be a star.

16. Some members of the action committee are believed to have spoken yesterday. (M.S.)

Exercise 11.

Define the meaning of the verb and word groups with which subjective infinitive constructions with the infinitive are used.

1. He could be made to fight easily enough. (Dr.)

2. I was known to be nearsighted. (Satire)

3. Your lungs appear to be all right. (P.W.)

4. … on the following afternoon James chanced to be a witness of some resulting actions. (Ward)

5. Children appear to go through definite stages as they develop. (M.S.)

6. He seemed to be wondering whether much anxiety of mind had affected his eyesight. (P.W.)

7. They were seen to just touch each other’s hands. (Galsw.)

8. After that Tommy was forced to admit the prospect looked dreary. (A. Chr.)

9. But he was expected to go down to keep up his father’s prestige. (Lind.)

10. She seemed to know most of the Blackstable news. (S.M.)

11. They’ve been known to chap holes in the roof. (Cain)

12. … the two sides are expected to meet again next week. (M.S.)

13. So he was found to be unfit for active service … (R. Ald.)

14. … when he was brought to Charing Cross Hospital life was found to be extinct. (S.M.)

Exercise 12.

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.

Exercise 13.

Paraphrase the following using subjective predicative constructions with the infinitive.

Model:

He was taken aback (to seem).

He seemed to be taken aback.

1. She is busy today (to seem).

2. The situation has changed a lot (to appear).

3. The Crimea was visited by numerous hikers last summer (to know).

4. He didn’t have any money with him (to happen).

5. This path is used quite often nowadays (to appear).

6. Nobody knew the way, so I had to return (to happen).

7. His plan is rather unrealistic (to appear).

8. She wasn’t properly dressed (to happen).

9. Amy Driffield would never speak to me again (unlikely).

10. He was in high spirits when he got out of the train (to seem).

11. He lived with an uncle and aunt on the outskirts of a little Kentish town by the sea (to be known).

12. We filled in Driffield’s study; it was a large room on the other side of the house (to appear).

Exercise 14.

Complete the following so as to use subjective predicative constructions with the infinitive.

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. None will accompany me, and I am forced … .

11. She was sure that he should be made … .

12. I admit he seemed … .

13. What time are you supposed …?

14. The train was seen … .

15. This was supposed … .

16. They might be made … .

Exercise 15.

Define the function of the for-to-infinitive construction.

1. Theodora Goodman sat in the hall near the reception desk and waited for somebody to come. (White)

2. My friend motioned for him to come in. (E.H.)

3. Well, seventy was the outside limit, it was then time, George said, for them to go and leave their money to their children. (Galsw.)

4. … in their shrill laughter he found a terrible dissonance that made him pray for the twilight to come. (F.F.)

5. “It’s not for me to disagree there,” said Jolyon, “but that’s all quite beside the mark.” (Galsw.)

6. She waited for Violet to say something. (White)

7. “When will you marry me?” “Are you ready for me to marry you?” (F.F.)

8. … it was good experience for me to see it to its completed form. (M.D.)

9. “This question of company,” he said, “is something for me to decide.” (White)

10. The lady was speaking too fast for me to catch what she said. (A. Chr.)

11. It would not be possible for a human and intelligent person to invent a rational excuse for slavery. (M.T.)

12. They told him to be a good boy and wait for them to come home in the evening. (W.S.)

13. It was instinctive now for him to take her into his confidence. (Cron.)

14. … they thought it was better for me to live in a place like this. (A. Chr.)

Exercise 16.

Point out the for-to-infinitive construction in the following sentences. Translate the sentences into Russian.

1. So now she waited for Frank to speak. (White)

2. Theodora waited many days for something to happen, but it did not. (White)

3. Theodora sat and waited for Violet to speak. (White)

4. “We have a number of interesting personalities I shall be glad for you to meet,” said Elsie. (White)

5. You waited for the red moon to crash like a thunderous gong. (White)

6. I have arranged for Sister Marie to board with her. (A. Chr.)

7. I should have thought it would be much easier for you to stand that. (A. Chr.)

8. “That’s easy for you to say,” began Gordon, his eyes narrowing. (F.F.)

9. You all used to be so sweet and loving to each other, it was a joy for me to see you. (J. Sal.)

10. Theodora waited for the clear glaze of morning to split. (White)

11. It was impossible for me to persuade myself that this urgent desire of his was disinterested. (S.M.)

12. In a minute it would be fitting for me to take my leave. (S.M.)

13. They were grouped about the mother, waiting for something to happen. (White)

14. She decided that she would wait for Holstius to come.

Exercise 17.

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. (F.F.)

2. I am going to ring the bell for (the visitors, to go). (A. Chr.)

3. My friend motioned for (he, to come) in. (E.H.)

4. It is not necessary for (I, to explain) that we are twins. (White)

5. Waiting for (the hymn, to stop) she watched the light blaze. (White)

6. Theodora waited for (she, to go). (White)

7. It was easy enough for (the drivers, to get) in that way. (A. Chr.)

8. It is so unusual for (a man, to bring) home a thing like this. (A. Chr.)

9. It’s no easy thing for (I, to get hold) of it. (F.F.)

10. He didn’t answer and I waited for some time for (he, to speak). (S.M.)

11. She waited for (some act) that still had (to perform). (White)

12. Often enough Theodora wondered whether it was time for (she, to go). (White)

13. Now I longed for (they, to return) to me. (White)

14. Theodora looked for (some, other object, to concentrate). (White)

15. It would be fine for (her folks, to have her back home) after so much traveling around. (White)

16. 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). (S.M.)

Exercise 18.

Respond to the following questions using for-to-infinitive constructions.

Model:

Whom is she waiting for?  She is waiting for her daughter to come from school.

1. Why is it necessary for her to translate this article?

2. What is it for her to decide?

3. Why is it good experience for me to read books in the original?

4. Who told him to wait for them to return?

5. What do you think will be more sensible for him to do?

6. Why are you sure it’ll be better for you to live in the country this summer?

7. What does she seem to be waiting for?

8. Why is it impossible for me to join them?

9. What have you arranged for her to do?

10. Wouldn’t it be better for us to learn more about each other?

11. Why was it difficult for you to persuade him to come to see us?

12. When is it time for me to ring the bell?

13. Why was it not easy for the drivers to ride the cars that day?

14. Why does she long for them to return home?

15. Would it be easy for you to go there?

Exercise 19.

Complete the following so as to use for-to-infinitive constructions.

1. The best thing for you … .

2. I am very anxious for … .

3. It took a moment for … .

4. It would be much easier for … .

5. She was sitting and waiting for someone … .

6. It’s not for her … .

7. It was bad experience for me … .

8. It would be more sensible for … .

9. It would be better for … .

10. There will be many interesting people for you … .

11. It took ten minutes for … .

12. It is a joy for him … .

13. It would be hard for her … .

14. It was easy enough for … .

15. It is unusual for a person … .

16. It’s time for me … .

Exercise 20.

Translate into English using subjective predicative constructions.

1. Говорят, что он живет где-то на Крайнем Севере.

2. Считали, что она прекрасно играет в теннис.

3. Было известно, что он принимал участие в этой экспедиции.

4. Можно считать, что этот вопрос уже решен.

5. Вряд ли игра закончится вничью.

6. Она оказалась хорошим преподавателем.

7. Я уверена, что вам понравится этот спектакль.

8. Похоже на то, что она приняла его предложение.

9. Как оказалось, вечер прошел успешно.

10. Как оказалось, вопрос был не по существу.

11. Я, кажется, знаю этого человека. В юности он был отличным бегуном, а теперь, говорят, он тренирует молодых спортсменов.

12. Известно, что первые Олимпийские игры состоялись в 1896 году в Афинах.

13. Кажется, этот пассажир не выходит из каюты уже 2 дня. С ним что-нибудь случилось? — Да, он страдает морской болезнью.

14. Известно, что в 1900 году в Олимпийских играх впервые принимали участие женщины.

Exercise 21.

Translate into English using predicative constructions with the infinitive.

1. Этот дом, вероятно, будет построен в следующем месяце.

2. Предполагается, что на собрании выступит декан факультета.

3. Ее, кажется, очень хорошо обучили английскому языку.

4. Известно, что футбол — наиболее популярный вид спорта в Англии.

5. Вряд ли его спросят об этом.

6. Известно, что Московский университет был основан более 200 лет тому назад.

7. Она, наверное, напишет ему письмо.

8. Этот роман, кажется, переведен с французского.

9. Маловероятно, что они смогут достать билеты на этот спектакль.

10. Вряд ли они знают мой адрес. Они случайно заходили ко мне как-то с моим братом. Что заставляет вас думать, что они знают мой адрес?

11. Известно, что когда-то Британские острова были частью материка Европы.

12. Говорят, что они работают на Крайнем Севере с 1970 года.

13. Я слышала, как ребята шумели, когда их оставили одних в комнате.

14. Кажется, он очень пополнел за последнее время. Ему бы лучше соблюдать диету.

15. Вы, вероятно, придете проводить своего друга на станцию и помахать ему на прощание. Он будет рад вас видеть.