The Objective-with-the-Infinitive Construction
This construction consists of a noun in the common case or a pronoun in the objective case and the infinitive (mostly Indefinite or Passive). It is always an object in the sentence.
| To see to hear to feel to watch (or any lexical equivalent of the verb of sense perception) | smb. do smth. |
| to let to make to have to get | smb. do smth. |
| to order to allow to forbid | smb. to do smth. smth. to be done |
| to like to prefer to want to know to like to expect (or any lexical equivalent of the verb of mental activity, wish or intention) | smb. to do smth |
E.g. I believe it to have been a mistake.
They reported the enemy to be ten miles away.
I want you to come along with us.
I hate you to be troubled.
I saw him get on the bus this morning.
What makes you think it was me?
Let him sit here if he wants.
The Subjective Infinitive Construction
The construction consists of a noun in the common case or a pronoun in the nominative case and any of the six forms of the infinitive. The construction is considered to be the subject of the sentence.
| smb | is was will be | seen heard expected told ordered asked allowed | to do smth to be done | ||
| smb | is was will be | known supposed believed considered | to do smth to be done to be doing smth to have done smth to have been done to have been doing smth | ||
| smb | is was will be | sure certain bound (not) likely | to do smth to be done to be doing smth to have done smth to have been done to have been doing smth | ||
| smb | seems, seemed, will seem appears, appeared, will appear happens, happened, will happen proved, will prove turned out, will turn out | to do smth to be done to be doing smth to have done smth to have been done to have been doing smth | |||
E.g. She was heard to laugh heartily.
He is supposed to have left.
He is said to be a good doctor.
He seems to notice nothing unusual.
The girl appeared to be everybody’s attention.
He is sure to come.
He was not likely to have made a mistake.
The for-to-Infinitive Construction
This construction consists of three elements: the preposition for, a noun in the common case or a pronoun in the objective case and an infinitive, mostly in its Indefinite, Passive or Continuous form. The construction has different syntactical functions in the sentence.
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The Subject
| It | is was will be would be | hard easy good bad important impossible not | for smb for smth | to do smth to be doing smth to be done |
E.g. It will be best for her to go back home.
It’s easier for me to go out and buy a new pair.
It’s silly for you to be asking me questions.
It is not for me to say so.
| It | is was will be | nice kind sensible silly stupid tactless | of smb | to do smth |
E.g. It was silly of you to ask that question.
It is kind of you to say so.
It will be very sensible of you to go there at once.
The Object
| to long to wait to arrange to mean to be anxious | for smb | to do smth | ||||
| to make to think to believe | it | difficult easy necessary important best | for smb | to do smth | ||
E.g. I’m anxious for you to succeed.
I have arranged for you to have a private room.
He did not mean for you to stay here.
Your attitude made it difficult for him to tell you the truth.
He thinks it best for you to stay here.
The Attribute
| somebody nothing anyone | for smb | to do smth |
| man thing time place | for smb | to do smth |
E.g. There is no one for the children to play with.
There is nothing for me to say.
It is not the right time for us to speak about it.
It was the only thing for me to do.
The Adverbial Modifier of Purpose
| to do smth | for smb | to do smth |
E.g. He stood aside for us to pass in.
I left the notice on the table for everybody to see.
The Adverbial Modifier of Result
| (too) | easy difficult young old | (enough) | for smb | to do smth |
E.g. The rain can last long enough for us to miss the train.
The day was much too cold and rainy for anyone to have a good time.
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The water is warm enough for the children to bathe.
Exercises
Exercise 1
State the function of infinitives in the following sentences.
1. He came into the room to shut the windows.
2. He seemed to know all about the influenza and said there was nothing to worry about.
3. Do you want me to read to you?
4. They said the boy had refused to let anyone come into the room.
5. Don’t make me laugh.
6. The British Museum is much too big to be seen in an hour or so.
7. She was sitting near enough to see his face.
8. I think the best way to get a general idea of a country is to study the map.
9. You may fail in your English if you go on like that.
10. Thank you for your very kind invitation to visit you and stay with you.
11. To achieve your purpose you should work hard.
12. Her dream was to become an actress.
13. It is difficult to study two foreign languages.
14. They began to walk fast.
15. He continued to speak to the audience.
16. I want to call on you tomorrow.
17. We’ll start to work at once.
18. He was too tired to work.
19. I saw them enter the building.
20. I want you to listen to the text.
21. We came here to help you.
22. He was the first to arrive.
23. What makes you think it was true to life?
24. They are said to have been writing a test.
25. She seems to have finished her story.
Exercise 2
Read the following extract and comment on the usage of the infinitive.
It was on the morning of the party that things really started to happen. To begin with, Mother discovered that Dodo (Durrell’s dog) had chosen this day, of all days, to come into season. One of the peasant girls had to be detailed to stand outside the backdoor with a broom to repel suitors so that Mother could cook interruptedly, but even with this precaution there were occasional moments of panic when one of the bolder Romeos found a way into the kitchen via the front of the house.
After breakfast I hurried out to see my goldfish and discovered, to my horror, that two of them had been killed and partially eaten. In my delight at getting the fish, I had forgotten that both terrapins and the water-snakes were partial to a plump fish occasionally. So I was forced to move the reptiles into kerosene tins until I could think of a solution to the problem. By the time I had cleaned and fed the Magenpies (magpie) and Alecko (the name of a sea-gull) I had still thought of no way of being able to keep the fish and reptiles together, and it was nearing lunchtime. The arrival of the first guests was imminent. Moodily I wandered round to my carefully arranged pond, to discover, to my horror, that someone had moved the water-snakes’ tin into the full glare of the sun. They lay on the surface of the water so limp and hot that for a moment I thought they were dead; it was obvious that only immediate first aid could save them, and picking up the tin I rushed into the house. Mother was in the kitchen, harassed and absent-minded, trying to divide her attention between the cooking and Dodo’s followers.
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(From My Family and Other Animals by G. Durrell)
Exercise 3
Define the syntactical functions of the infinitive in the following sentences. Translate them into Ukrainian.
1. To drive fast in such weather is pretty dangerous.
2. What is more pleasant: to love or to be loved?
3. Her habit is to put five lumps of sugar in her tea.
4. Sociable people are easy to deal with.
5. I asked her to explain everything.
6. It’s a funny thing about life: if you refuse to accept anything but the best, you very often get it.
7. It necessary to be patient when you get in a traffic jam.
8. To take money from him was like robbing a child.
9. The only way to get best of an argument is to avoid it.
10. Everything comes to him who knows how to wait.
11. To let his friends down is not characteristic of him.
12. Man’s true vocation is to cultivate the ground.
13. The dentist recommended the patient to have the tooth out.
14. Her method is to make a child think and find his own solution.
15. It is very pleasant to look after a baby.
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Exercise 4
Use the appropriate form of the infinitives in brackets.
1. I’m so dreadfully sorry (to bother) you in this stupid way.
2. He kept late hours last night, he may still (to sleep).
3. “She must (to be) very beautiful years ago,” he thought.
4. It’s a secret, and no one else must (to tell).
5. He’s a talented engineer. He’s supposed (to work) at a new invention.
6. She seems (to work) at her course paper since spring and says she has still a lot (to do).
7. I’ve just seen him passing the entrance door, so he can’t (to work) at the laboratory as you say.
8. The next morning he seemed (to forget) it all.
9. She seemed at times (to seize) with an uncontrolled irritation and would say sharp things.
10. You probably think that I must (to live) a very gay life in France, but it wasn’t so.
Exercise 5
Put “to” where necessary before the infinitives.
1. The teacher made me ______ repeat it all over again.
2. You needn’t ____ ask for permission, I let you ___ take my books whenever you like.
3. Will you help me ___ move the table?
4. He is expected ____ arrive in a few days.
5. You seem ___ know these places very well.
6. You had better ___ make a note of it.
7. I heard the door ___ open and saw a shadow ___ move across the floor.
8. He told me ___ try ___ do it once again.
9. I’d rather ___ walk a little before going to bed.
10. There‘s nothing ___ do but ___ wait till somebody comes ___ let us out.
11. Why not ___ wait a little longer?
12. I felt her ___ shiver with cold.
13. You are not ___ mention this to anyone.
14. We got Mother ___ cut up some sandwiches.
15. Rose wanted them ____ stop laughing, wanted the curtain ___ come down.
16. I’ll have ___ go there.
17. There doesn’t seem _____ be anything wrong with you.
18. She helped me ___ get over my fear.
19. He was seen ___ make a note of it.
20. What made you ___ deceive me?
Exercise 6
Use the required form of the infinitive in brackets. Insert the particle ‘to’ where necessary.
1. That was the last thing she expected (to hear) him (to say).
2. At that hour she was unaccustomed (to disturb) by anyone.
3. She could not let herself (to cry).
4. He wished (to make) the most of his opportunity.
5. He seemed (to think) over what he wanted (to say).
6. I watched the shore (to come) close, then (to swing) away, then (to come) closer.
7. He wants (to congratulate) you in person.
8. He doesn’t like (to keep) waiting.
9. I don’t like (to see) men (to cry).
10. There was nothing (to do) but (to knit) all day long.
11. His face showed grief and how upset he was, and his eyes seemed (to ask) for consolation.
12. But he dared not (to ask) what was in her mind.
13. I decided (to make) a fuss, and went (to look) for him.
14. We walked to the door and I saw her (to go) in and down the hall.
15. It’s very interesting (to hear) you (to say) that.
16. Let’s (to go) and (to find) him, he’s sure (to be) in front of his picture.
17. Some important decisions must (to make) soon.
18. You must (to dream) of it long.
19. Do you want (to make) something (to happen)?
20. There was one more announcement (to make).
Exercise 7
Insert ‘to’ where necessary before the infinitives in brackets (in some of the sentences Participle I could be used instead of an infinitive). Translate the sentences into Ukrainian.
1. He made me (to do) it all over again.
2. He made her (to repeat) the message.
3. If you want us (to get) there before dark you should let us (to start) at once.
4. Would you like me (to go) now?
5. They won’t let us (to leave) the Customs till our luggage has been examined.
6. He wouldn’t let my baby (to play) with his gold watch.
7. Please let me (to know) your decision as soon as possible.
8. He made us (to wait) for hours.
9. I let him (to go) early as he wanted to meet his wife.
10. I’d like him (to go) to a university but I can’t make him (to go).
11. I want her (to learn) English; I think everybody must know it.
12. He tried to make me (to believe) that he was my stepbrother.
13. I felt the house (to shake) with the explosion.
14. Before he let us (to go) he made us (to promise) not to tell anybody what we had seen.
15. I advised him (to ask) the bus-conductor to tell him where to get off.
16. She expects her husband (to pay) all the household expenses although she has a good job, too.
17. What do you want me (to tell) him?
18. I saw the driver (to open) his window and (to throw) a box into the bushes.
19. That is too heavy for one person to carry; let me (to help) you.
20. I saw the plane (to crash) into the hill and (to burst) into flames.
21. The teacher advised us (to use) dictionaries.
22. Her father doesn’t allow her (to go) to the cinema alone.
23. Who told the nurse (to give) the sick man this medicine?
24. All mothers want their children (to be) strong and healthy.
25. I shouted, but I couldn’t make the deaf man (to hear) me.
Exercise 8
Use the correct form of the infinitive of the verb in brackets.
1. Robert hopes (select) to play in the next week’s football match.
2. Sue and Richard are always arguing. They seem (have) a few problems.
3. I sent my suit (dry-clean).
4. I’m sorry (disturb) you, but could you tell me time?
5. Is it ever so kind of you (send) all those lovely flowers when I was ill.
6. If he is seriously ill, his wife wants (tell) immediately.
7. The money for charity is suppose (raise) by the organizers of the party.
8. The police are looking for a missing boy. He is believed (wear) a white pullover and blue jeans.
9. Everything is just the way it used (be). Nothing seems (change).
10. When we got to the airport, we found all the flights (cancel) that day.
11. I meant (telephone), but I forgot.
12. You were silly (not lock) your car.
13. Why is she so late? – She can still (work).
14. You should (tell) you were coming.
15. I’m sorry (not come) last Thursday.
16. If you go out like that you’re certain (recognize) sooner or later.
17. We hope (finish) the project by next Saturday.
18. I would (go) to university if my parents had had more money.
19. Well, I am not sorry (miss) that train. I shouldn’t have met you otherwise.
20. There were always four little boys (pick up) balls and at least three dozen balls (pick up).
Exercise 9
Paraphrase the following sentences using the infinitive active or passive.
1. She was sorry that she had missed so many classes before the exams.
2. Emma was surprised when she heard of his sudden arrival.
3. She was extremely happy when she found her children safe and sound.
4. She was lucky enough that she’d been given another chance to admire the masterpiece.
5. The girl was out of breath. It seemed that she had been running.
6. When she felt worse, she was sorry that she hadn’t consulted the doctor before.
7. You should give this matter top priority.
8. We expect they will invite us to the meeting with the management.
9. It is nice when someone is waiting for you at home.
10. I hope they will interview me for this job.
11. Go and talk with George. He believes that we have unfairly treated him.
Exercise 10
Complete the following, using the infinitive
as subject:
1. _______ would be unjust.
2. _______ was very pleasant.
3. ______ is the only thing to do.
4. _______ would be much more useful.
5. _______ is not an easy matter.
as predicative:
1. My hobby is _____ .
2. The best way to master a foreign language is _______ .
3. The next thing to be done is _________ .
4. Our aim was ___________ .
5. To say so means ________ .
6. His only wish is ________ .
as object:
1. He asked _________ .
2. In the kindergarten children are taught __________ .
3. I am so glad ____________ .
4. We are awfully sorry ___________ .
5. The doctor advised _________ .
6. The child is afraid ________ .
7. I’ve clean forgotten ___________ .
8. Everybody promised __________ .
9. Would you like ________ ?
10. Who allowed you __________ ?
11. Aunt Polly instructed Jim ___________ .
as attribute:
1. He was always the first _______ .
2. We have nothing _________ .
3. This is a chance __________ .
4. Benny has no friends _________ .
5. He is not a man ________ .
6. She made an attempt ___________ .
7. Is there anybody __________ ?
8. He always finds something __________ .
9. This is the information __________ .
10. He spoke of his wish ________ .
as adverbial modifier of purpose:
1. He came immediately _________ .
2. We’ll stay after the lecture ___________ .
3. They stopped ________ .
4. Write down this rule _________ .
5. I’ve opened the door _______ .
6. He stepped aside politely _________ .
7. ________ you must work hard.
8. The boy ran out _________ .
as adverbial modifier of result:
1. She was too frightened _________ .
2. The article is too difficult _________ .
3. The fence is high enough _________ .
4. The baby is too restless _________ .
5. The weather is warm enough _________ .
6. We are too busy _________ .
7. She was grown-up enough _________ .
8. The night was too dark _________ .
Exercise 11
Translate the sentences into Ukrainian, using the infinitive from the following list as:
1. subject
to repair, to hear, to speak, to wait, to search
i. He went off. ________ for him now was a torture.
ii. It was impossible _______ the bicycle.
iii. It took us twelve days ________ the island.
iv. At this moment, ________ required more effort than she could make.
v. It is such a comfort _______ you say so, doctor.
2. predicative
to go on, to try, to tell, to return, to keep
a. My next plan was _________ to the house, avoiding Wells if possible.
b. My advice to you is ________ a coach tour.
c. The only thing she could do was ________ the truth.
d. The greatest thing is ________ our heads up.
e. There was no water nearby and the only things was _________ to find it somewhere.
3. object
to air, to see, to show, to join, to be surprised
a. He promised _______ us all of the island.
b. I must tell Ellen _______ the drawing-room very well tomorrow.
c. I was so relieved that I forgot _______ by her speaking.
d. He asked me __________ his party.
e. Philip was not sorry _______ him off.
4. attribute
to do, to say, to waste, to make, to arrive
a. There’s nothing else __________ .
b. They had very little _________ .
c. There were no objections ________ that you could put your finger on.
d. He was nearly the last __________ .
e. You see I have no time _________ .
5. adverbial modifier of result
to give, to believe, to go, to shut, to waste
a. You’re too young _______ the door on life.
b. She was well enough ________ to visit Henry in the sanatorium.
c. It’s too good a story ________ .
d. The very names of the chapters were enough ________ one a headache.
e. You’re too good __________ me.
6. adverbial modifier of purpose
to spend, to see, to keep, to fetch, to have
a. Jennie had driven off next day _______ the twins from a swimming-pool near by.
b. “Hallo, Mary,” I said. “Have you come ________ me company?”
c. I arrived on a Saturday afternoon ________ a week there.
d. He invited them to the flat one evening ________ coffee.
e. Sometimes people came from London especially __________ the Black Madonna.
Exercise 12
Make up sentences, using the following phrases with attributive infinitives:
A lot to do; no time to lose; a passage to translate; a man to trust; a rule to remember; the work to do; the distance to cover; a chance not to be missed; a nice town to live in; an easy person to live with; nobody to speak to; nothing to trouble about; mistakes to be corrected; nobody to rely on; nothing to be afraid of; a poem to learn; the first to break the silence.
Exercise 13
Point out infinitives of result and translate the sentences into Ukrainian.
1. I intended to use the opportunity, it was too good to be missed.
2. When I left the Post Office I found that I was too late to catch the London train.
3. It was getting too hot to work and we decided to have a break.
4. He was clever enough to avoid talking on this subject with his wife.
5. She considered me to be too young to be drawn into their religious community.
6. She was woman enough not to forget to powder her nose even at that critical moment.
7. His case is such as not to be helped.
8. He heard a loud knock at the front door and opened it to see a stranger in a shabby raincoat.
9. She liked to be kind to people and used to give promises to forget them at once.
10. I wish I were strong enough to help you.
Exercise 14
Paraphrase the following sentences so as to use infinitives of result.
Model: - The storm was so strong that I couldn’t go out.
The storm was too strong (for me) to go out.
b. The text is so short that it can’t be translated in an hour.
The text is short enough to be translated in an hour.
i. It was so dark that he could see nothing before him.
ii. She was so excited that she couldn’t utter a word.
iii. He was so angry, he wouldn’t speak to me.
iv. His English vocabulary is very poor; he can’t make himself understood.
v. She knows English so well that she can read Somerset Maugham in the original.
vi. Mr. Smith was so cruel that he could send a man to death.
vii. The man was so down and out that he couldn’t get a decent job.
Exercise 15
Paraphrase the following sentences, making the object of the infinitive the subject of the sentence.
Model: - It is hard to please him.
He is hard to please.
c. It is pleasant to look at her.
She is pleasant to look at.
i. It is not difficult to remember the rule. It is simple.
ii. It’s comfortable to sit in this old armchair.
iii. She’s a kind person. It’s easy to deal with her.
iv. He’s very stubborn. It’s difficult to persuade him.
v. It’s not very easy to translate this passage. It contains some idiomatic expressions.
vi. It’s pleasant to look at the girl, but not at all pleasant to talk to her. She’s pretty, but not very clever.
vii. It was unpleasant to watch their quarrel.
viii. It’s always funny to listen to his stories.
ix. It would be useful to follow his advice.
x. It’s not very easy to answer this question.
Exercise 16
Make up sentences, using the following adjectives with infinitives (follow the examples of the previous exercise).
Easy to deal with; difficult to understand; pleasant to look at; hard to please; useful to remember; amusing to watch; easy to answer; easy to follow; difficult to avoid; pleasant to talk to; not far to seek; not easy to find.
Exercise 17
Replace the clauses in the following sentences with infinitive phrases.
1. I should be delighted if I could get acquainted with the captain of your team.
2. He was annoyed when he learnt that they hadn’t chosen him as a player for the All-Union match.
3. I was sorry that I had missed the beginning of the match.
4. We must wait till we hear the referee’s whistle, then we’ll see the teams coming out.
5. You would be foolish if you missed the chance
6. I’m pleased that I’ve been of some service to you.
7. She turned to me as if she was going to ask me something.
8. We are happy that we have won, it was a difficult match.
9. I’m sorry that I’ve been of so little assistance.
10. He pressed his finger to his lips as if he wanted to warn her.
Exercise 18
Combine each of the following pairs of sentences into one sentence using ‘enough’ with infinitive.
Model: He is strong He can carry it. – He is strong enough to carry it.
1. The rope wasn’t strong. It couldn’t support the two men.
2. The fire isn’t very hot. It won’t boil a kettle.
3. The coffee isn’t strong. It won’t keep us awake.
4. I am quite old. I could be your father.
5. You aren’t very old. You can’t understand these things.
6. He was very curious. He opened the letter.
7. You are quite thin. You could slip between bars.
Exercise 19
Combine each of the following pairs of sentences into one sentence using ‘so as / in order’ with infinitive.
Model: He turned out the light. He didn’t want to waste electricity. – He turned out the light so as / in order not to waste electricity.
1. I took off my shoes. I didn’t want to make any noise.
2. He was playing very softly. He didn’t want to disturb anyone.
3. I sent him out of the room. I wanted to discuss his progress with his headmaster.
4. I am learning Greek. I wish to read Homer.
5. He sent his children to their aunt’s house. He wanted to have some peace.
6. He read only for short periods each day. He didn’t want to strain his eyes.
7. They got up very early. They wanted to get to the top of the hill before sunrise.
8. We must keep our gloves on. We don’t want to get frostbitten.
Exercise 20
Read the following extract. Choose the correct forms of the verbs in brackets. Say if the writer finds his years of adolescence happy or not. If not, why?
My childhood was, on the whole, happy and straightforward, and I felt affection for most grown-ups with whom I was brought in contact. I remember a very definite change when I reached what in modern child psychology is called “the latency period”. At this stage I began (to enjoy) using slang, pretending (to have) no feelings, and being generally “manly”. I began (despise) my people, chiefly because of their extreme horror of slang and their absurd notion that it was dangerous (to climb) trees. So many things were forbidden that I acquired the habit of deceit, in which I persisted up to the age of 21. It became second nature to me (to think) that whatever I was doing had better (to keep) to myself, and I have never quite overcome the impulse to concealment which was thus generated. I still have an impulse (to hide) what I am reading when anybody comes into the room, and (to hold) my tongue as to where I have been and what I have done. It is only by a certain effort of will that I can (to overcome) the impulse of concealment which was thus generated by the years during which I had (to find) my way among a set of foolish prohibitions.
The years of adolescence were to me very lonely and very unhappy. Both in the life of the emotions and in the life of intellect, I was obliged (to preserve) an impenetrable secrecy towards my people.
(From Autobiography by B. Russell)
Exercise 21
Study the table below. Paraphrase the following so as to use a to-infinitive after nouns / pronouns.
| There is / there are + noun / pronoun + to-infinitive. There are five letters to write /to be written. Note: The active to-infinitive has a passive meaning here. |
| Have / have got + noun / pronoun + to-infinitive She had nowhere to sleep. = She didn’t have a bedroom or bed. Note: You cannot use the passive infinitive here |
| Note the idioms: He is nowhere to be seen / to be found. Nobody’s to blame. |
1. There are so many books that must be read.
2. I have no money which I can spend.
3. There is nothing that we might do now.
4. There was nothing that might keep him at home that night, and he gladly accepted the invitation.
5. She had no one who could take care of her.
6. We’ve got no time that we can lose.
7. I have three exercises that I must do.
8. There are still a lot of things that must be packed.
9. There is nothing that we can say.
10. She must type twenty letters.
11. You can’t blame anybody for this.
Exercise 22
Study the examples, then combine the statements into one sentence using so as to and negative so as not to. Use the infinitive in the syntactical function of the adverbial modifier of purpose.
Remember:
| The infinitive in the syntactical function of the adverbial modifier of purpose cannot be used in the negative. The long form in order not to is rather too formal in speech. So as to and the negative so as not to are usual when the ideas of purpose and result are combined. |
Jane and Sally work in different departments of the same large company. They are chatting casually about work.
Model: Jane: I left home at eight this morning. I didn’t want to arrive late again!
I left home at eight this morning so as not to arrive late again!
Sally: I drove into town earlier either, too. I wanted to avoid rush-hour traffic.
I drove into town earlier, too so as to avoid the rush-hour traffic.
A. Jane: I sometimes walk to work. It keeps my weight down.
B. Sally: I’m living on fruit juice and cheese this week. I don’t want to put weight before the film’s annual dinner!
C. Jane: I’m going on a diet, too. I don’t want to have to buy a new dress for the dinner!
D. Sally: I’ll go to bed early tonight. I want to be fresh for our foreign visitors tomorrow!
E. Jane: And I’m going to the hairdresser’s after work. I want to make a good impression on my new boss!
F. Sally: I came up to the office by the stairs. I didn’t want to bump into the marketing manager in the lift!
G. Jane: I’m taking the day off on Friday. I want to have an excuse for not attending another boring Board Meeting!
H. Sally: And I’m taking Friday off, too! I want to have enough time to prepare for our office party on Friday evening.
Exercise 23
Here are some set expressions with the to-infinitive. Match them with their meanings or explanations.
| 1. To tell you the truth, …/ to be frank with you, … | a) From what he / she says, … |
| 2. To cut a long story short, … | b) The first thing is / was, … |
| 3. To get to the point, … | c) I’m going to say what I really think, … |
| 4. To begin with, …/ to start with, … | d) I’m going to say this in different words, … |
| 5. To put it another way, … | e) Now I’m going to tell you the important thing. |
| 6. To hear him / her talk, … | f) I’m going to try to shorten the whole thing. |
| 7. Needless to say, … | g) It’s clear that … |
Exercise 24
Translate the following sentences into Ukrainian, paying attention to the use of the particle “to”, which implies the verb already mentioned.
1. He hadn’t wanted to laugh then, nor did he want to now.
2. You needn’t say anything if you don’t want to.
3. Michael knew a lot, or seemed to.
4. Well, let’s forget it, shall we? – I’m glad to, thanks very much.
5. She always kept her mouth shut when told to.
6. It was my fault. I’m sorry. I didn’t want to, I didn’t mean to.
7. I know I should have come to you and told you about it, but I was afraid to.
8. I’d be glad to see you. Come any time you like. – Darling, you know I long to. But I can’t.
9. You can’t send this letter. – I’m certainly going to, by air-mail from Port Said.
10. I couldn’t do what I wanted to.
Exercise 25
In each of the following pairs of sentences the infinitive used in the first sentence is repeated in the second. Read the sentences, expressing this second infinitive by to only. Note that where the second infinitive has an object, this word / phrase must be omitted.
Model: Why didn’t you tell me the truth the first time? – I meant to tell you the truth but I was too frightened. – I meant to but I was too frightened.
1. Did you visit the Pyramids? – No, I wanted to visit them but there wasn’t time.
2. Why do you wear dark glasses? – I have to wear them; I have weak eyes.
3. Do you smoke? – No, I used to smoke but I don’t now.
4. Would you like to go to the theatre tonight? – Yes, I’d love to go to the theatre.
5. Why didn’t you pay the bill for him? – I offered to pay it but he refused.
6. Have you put the car in the garage? – No, but I’m going to put it there.
7. I want you two to apologize to each other. – Well, I’m willing to apologize if he apologizes first.
8. Did you reserve seats on the train? – No, I tried to reserve them but they had been booked already.
9. Did you answer the letter? – No, I intended to answer but I’m afraid I forgot.
10. Why didn’t you hit him? – I was afraid to hit him.
11. Why didn’t you ask your father for the money? – I didn’t like to ask him.
12. Did you get any chance to fly the plane yourself? – No, I wanted to fly it but the pilot wouldn’t let me.
13. Why doesn’t he punish his boys when they disobey him? - He often threatens to punish them but he never actually does so.
14. Why didn’t he repair the car himself? – He wasn’t able to repair it.
15. Did you buy sausages? – No, I meant to buy them but I forgot.
16. You should visit the Prado when you are in Madrid. – Yes, I intend to visit it.
17. Why doesn’t he play games? – His mother doesn’t want him to play games.
18. You ought to stop work now. – Yes, I’m just going to stop.
19. Why do some jockeys carry extra weights? - They are obliged to carry them by the regulations.
20. You should have thanked her before you left. – I meant to thank her but when I was going I couldn’t find her anywhere.
21. Why did she put parsley in the soup? – I told her to put it in.
22. You used to like rice pudding. – Yes, I know I used to like it but I don’t now.
23. Why didn’t you buy the car? – I was advised not to buy it.
24. Why did you bring your mother-in-law? I particularly asked you not to bring her.
25. Why didn’t he call the police? – He wasn’t able to call them. His telephone line had been cut.
Exercise 26
Respond to the following questions or statements, using the phrases from the list in brackets.
1. They say you read a lot.
2. Why didn’t you invite them?
3. Will you write a letter to her?
4. Why can’t you go with us?
5. I’m afraid you can’t come.
6. I see you haven’t bought any oranges.
7. You must take care of it.
8. She says you are going to help her.
9. Why don’t you dance with him?
10. You didn’t sign your test paper.
( Not so much as I used to; I simply didn’t want to; Yes, if you wish me to; But I’ll try to; I’m not allowed to; I meant to, but I forgot; Yes, I ought to; I suppose I’ll have to; He didn’t ask me to; No, I forgot to. )
Exercise 27
Replace the group of words in bold type by an infinitive.
Model: He was the first man who arrived. – He was the first (man) to arrive.
1. The captain was the last who left the ship.
2. He got to the top and was very disappointed when he found that someone else had reached it first.
3. I was astonished when I heard that he had left his native town.
4. There was no place where he could sit.
5. He put his hand into his pocket and was astonished when he found that his wallet wasn’t there.
6. I can’t go to the party; I have nothing that I can wear.
7. He reached the station exhausted and was very disappointed when he learnt that the train had just left.
8. He was the first man who swam the channel.
9. He was the only one who realized the danger.
10. He took out his spare wheel and was very disappointed when he discovered that that tyre was also punctured.
Exercise 28
Combine each of the following pairs of sentences into one sentence using an infinitive.
Model: They sent me to Spain, they wanted me to learn Spanish. – They sent me to Spain to learn Spanish.
1. I am buying paint. I want to paint my hall door.
2. He opened the lions’ cage. He intended to feed the lions.
3. He rushed into the burning house. He wanted to save the child.
4. He rang the bell. He wanted to tell us that the dinner was ready.
5. The farmer put a scarecrow up in the field. He wanted to frighten the birds.
6. He sent his children to his sister’s house. He wanted them to watch the television programme.
7. I am saving up. I want to buy a car.
8. I keep my hens in a field surrounded by wire netting. I want to protect them against the foxes.
9. You should take your holidays in June. In this way you would avoid the rush.
10. They evacuated everybody from the danger zone. They wanted to reduce the risk.
Exercise 29
Complete the following, using a suitable infinitive phrase.
1. Can you advise me ________?
2. I can’t make up my mind ________.
3. She hesitated__________.
4. I am at a loss ________.
5. The trouble is _________.
6. _________ is the first thing to decide.
7. His chief difficulty was _________.
8. I didn’t want __________.
9. Show me ___________.
10. Nobody could tell _________ .
Exercise 30
Some parents were asked what ‘rules’ they would apply to teenagers. The beginning and ends of their responses have been mixed up. Rewrite the sentences according to what you think they actually said. (In some cases various combinations are possible.)
1. We wouldn’t let them …
2. We’d expect them…
3. We’d make them …
4. We wouldn’t let them …
5. We’d tell them not …
6. We’d warn them not …
7. We’d let them …
8. We’d make them …
9. We’d encourage them…
10. We’d ask them not …
11. We’d want them …
a. … keep their rooms tidy.
b. … smoke in the house.
c. … go out late at the weekend.
d. … take their studies seriously.
e. … to respect their elders.
f. … to keep fit.
g. … hitch-hike by themselves.
h. … to take drugs.
i. … to play their music too loud.
j. … to do well at school.
k. … to believe everything they hear.
Discuss your sentences with a partner. Do you agree with the parents ‘rules’?
Exercise 31
Point out the Objective-with-the-Infinitive constructions. Translate the sentences into Ukrainian.
1. We expect her to come tomorrow.
2. Everyone consider him to be a clever man.
3. I wish John to come to our place at the weekend.
4. We ordered a huge bunch of flowers to be brought by seven o’clock.
5. I have never heard him play the piano.
6. Every spring we see the leaves on the trees come out again.
7. Usually English people don’t like the strangers to ask personal questions.
8. I will let you use my car if necessary.
9. The nurse felt him tremble with cold.
10. You could have heard a pin drop.
11. You mustn’t let it worry you.
12. What made you think so?
13. People know him to be an honest man.
14. He wished the specialist to cure him of his illness.
15. I know him to be working very hard.
16. What made you come so early?
17. I’ve never seen them talk together.
18. How can you let your son go there alone?
19. The borrowed the money, didn’t they? Let them pay it back.
Exercise 32
Change the following sentences so as to use the Objective-with-the-Infinitive construction with verbs to get, to have, to make.
1. My brother insisted that I should go and buy tickets for the football match.
2. His wife insisted that he should go in for weight lifting.
3. Judy’s parents insisted that she should go to Lock Willow for her summer holidays.
4. The supervisor on school practice insisted that Nick should take part in the discussion.
5. The referee insisted that the football player should leave the field as he was extremely rude.
6. The coach insisted that the team should train harder before the hockey match.
7. His mother insists that he should go to the dentist twice a year.
8. The teacher insisted that he should attend classes regularly.
9. Mother insisted that I should take the suit to the dry-cleaner’s.
10. My doctor insisted that I should spend my holidays in the mountains.
Exercise 33
Say what you were made, allowed, forbidden, let and forced when a child. Use the ideas from the box below.
| Have parties Stay out late Bring friends home. Listen to loud music. Wear whatever clothes you want. Watch late films on TV. | Spend lots of money on records. Get up early on Sundays. Help at home. Buy your own clothes. Go on holiday with friends. Talk on the telephone for hours. |
Exercise 34
Say what the warning advises / reminds / tells / warns you to do or not to do. Use sentences with the Objective-with-the-Infinitive construction.
Beach Safety
Hawaii’s beaches are breathtakingly beautiful, but they can be very dangerous for newcomers. The beaches are always open, even when there is no lifeguard protection. If you do not see a lifeguard on duty, swim on another beach. Remember:
Ever turn your back on the ocean.
Enter the water slowly and carefully.
Don’t be caught off your guard.
Never swim alone.
Always have someone you can call to.
Dive beneath breaking waves before they reach you.
Do not stand in the path of a large wave.
Do not swim over a large wave or turn your back against it.
Avoid beaches with rocky coasts.
Stay clear of areas with surfers.
Look out for runaway surfboards that wash in with the waves.
Model: It advises you to swim on another beach if you don’t see a lifeguard on duty.
Exercise 35
Paraphrase the sentences using the Objective-with-the-Infinitive Construction. Make all the necessary changes.
Model 1: People know that he is an honest man. – People know him to be an honest man.
1. I know that she has an interest in the company.
2. I believe that she isn’t guilty.
3. I found that the job was very challenging.
4. I imagine that he works very hard.
5. We didn’t expect that he would arrive by plane.
6. The patient wanted that the doctor examined him.
7. He wished that the specialist cured him of his illness.
8. Do you mean that he should bring his girlfriend to the party?
9. I didn’t mean that you should go there immediately.
10. Do you like when your guests leave your place late?
Model 2: She heard that he whispered something. - She heard him whisper something.
1. I felt that it was true this time.
2. I saw that the man pulled the door open.
3. I felt that his hand was trembling.
4. I noticed that the woman passed him by and gave him a quick and strange look.
5. We heard that the actor was singing.
6. They forced us to sit and wait (make).
7. I hope you will tell her to sell the car (have).
8. Her parents wouldn’t give her permission to go out with boys (let).
9. His parents didn’t allow him to leave the home-town (let).
10. She heard some strange sound and stepped aside (make).
11. The teacher told him to complete the task (have).
Exercise 36
Underline the word or phrase that is correct. Explain your choice.
1. She plans to move / that she should move to Hollywood to become a movie star.
2. All students of our university have been advised to arrive / arriving well in advance.
3. Can you help me to open / open this door?
4. We agreed to meet / meeting on Sunday.
5. The company management request that all mobile phones and pagers to be turned / be turned off at the premises.
6. She expected to complete / that she should complete her work in autumn.
7. They never knew her to play / play / that she should play the guitar.
8. Any talks about politics promise to be / being non-productive and boring.
9. You shouldn’t forget to send / sending a greeting card to her.
10. They could not afford to wait / wait any longer.
11. These clothes make him to look / look much older.
12. It took him a year to translate / translating the book.
13. “Let us to see / see our test papers”, the students asked.
14. They were surprised to see / seeing the test results so soon.
15. She is too young to think / that she should think of getting married.
Exercise 37
Make up sentences with the Objective-with-the-Infinitive Construction.
1. speak, I, have heard, of his boyhood, never, him.
2. swing, at once, open, the door, I, saw.
3. about something, I, quite different, me, you, want, to tell.
4. you, don’t, worry, that, let.
5. what, that, her, say, made?
6. without, her, let, my sister, go, a word.
7. young, her long hair, made, look, her.
Exercise 38
Express the same in another way using the Objective-with-the-Infinitive Construction instead of the subordinate clause.
1. I expect that you will join our excursion.
2. I heard that the door of the entrance hall opened.
3. She felt that her hands trembled.
4. He entered the inn and ordered that the supper should be brought to him.
5. I hate it when people speak so cynically.
6. I don’t like it when you repeat that nonsense.
7. We saw that he crossed the street looking to the left and to the right.
Exercise 39
Translate from Ukrainian into English.
1. Ми збираємося поїхати за місто влітку.
2. Здається, робота вже виконана.
3. Щоб бути здоровими, ви повинні виконувати фізичні вправи.
4. Ви знали, коли відбулась зустріч?
5. Ви чули, коли вони залишили будинок?
6. Він був надто хворий, щоб працювати.
7. Я бачив, як вони увійшли до крамниці.
8. Тут немає місця, щоб сісти.
9. Ми прийшли побажати вам щасливого Нового року.
10. Нехай він вам допоможе.
11. Я хочу, щоб ви прослухали цей текст.
12. Дуже легко давати поради.
13. Я можу вам допомогти?
14. Моя мрія – стати письменником.
15. Вони почали працювати разом.
16. Він допоміг другу перекласти статтю.
17. Чому б нам сьогодні не піти до друзів?
18. Вам краще залишитися вдома.
19. Дайте мені знати, коли він приїде.
20. Що змушує вас думати, що це правда?
Exercise 40
Identify the Subjective Infinitive Construction. Translate the sentences into Ukrainian.
1. She is extremely likely to succeed.
2. We are not allowed to go out.
3. He had been asked to remain to lunch.
4. Tell him that next time you happen to be alone together.
5. The girl was not likely to have taken an overdose of sleeping pills by mistake.
6. It was bound to happen.
7. They seem to be planning a new attempt.
8. The children are sure to be fighting again.
9. The facts are sure to become known next year.
10. She proved to know the subject.
11. It was silent in the room. Only the clock was heard to tick.
12. A young woman is supposed to have written the book.
13. She smiled broadly and waved her hand. She seemed to have recognized me.
14. Just look at his hands. He is sure to have been working in the garage.
Exercise 41
Change the sentences so as to use the Subjective Infinitive Construction.
Model: It is said that he knows several oriental languages. – He is said to know several oriental languages.
1. It seems that she has forgotten her promise.
2. It is reported that the expedition left in June.
3. It was considered that he is one of the best pilots in the country.
4. It appears that they understood this rule very well.
5. The teacher expects that you will read an article on this subject.
6. You signed the document without reading it, which was very stupid.
7. He rushed into the burning house, which was very brave of him.
8. Is it likely that he will arrive before six?
9. It isn’t likely that the captain will allow them to put these cases on deck.
10. They will certainly conclude this agreement in the nearest future.
11. It seems that nothing has changed.
12. You may miss the beginning of the performance if you don’t hurry.
13. It appeared that the charges at the hotel were reasonable.
14. He was the only person who believed in the results of the experiments.
15. He will be pleased when he learns the news.
Exercise 42
Point out the Objective-with-the-Infinitive construction and the Subjective Infinitive construction. Translate the sentences into Ukrainian.
1. The pills my doctor has given me make me feel rather odd.
2. I want you to say to yourself that he died a gallant death in the service of his country, and we must be proud of him.
3. I had seen my father leave the house that very morning.
4. Just as he was falling into unconsciousness he heard his door open and quickly shut.
5. My father was sure that fresh air and exercise would make us sleep well.
6. I thought it to be the signal to start.
7. We didn’t expect him to come back so soon and were wondering what had happened.
8. She felt somebody touch her gently by the hand.
9. I’d like it to be done as quietly as possible, without attracting anybody’s attention.
10. She didn’t seem to notice his unfriendly tone.
11. The number to which I had been directed turned out to be a house standing a little by itself, with its back to the river.
12. The boy was made to repeat his story twice.
13. He was heard to say that it would rain and ordered the door to the balcony to be shut.
14. I looked at the house with suspicious curiosity, and it seemed to be looking back at me.
15. He is said to be a sailor in his youth.
Exercise 43
Express the same in another way using the Subjective Infinitive Construction instead of the subordinate clause.
Model: It was known that he was a capable student. – He was known to be a capable student.
I heard him play the piano. – He was heard to play the piano.
1. It was known that she was an excellent doctor.
2. They saw him enter the house in the morning.
3. It was believed that he had returned to London.
4. It was expected that the conference would take place in May.
5. We heard him laugh heartily.
6. It is supposed that he has been working for two hours.
7. They often heard the girl sing that tune.
Exercise 44
Identify the for-to-Infinitive Construction in the following sentences. Translate them into Ukrainian.
1. It was easy for my brother to learn Spanish.
2. We are still waiting for him to come.
3. Have you bought something for me to read during the trip?
4. The day was much too cold and rainy for anyone to have a good time.
5. It’s not the right time for us to speak about it.
6. Your attitude made it difficult for him to tell you the truth.
7. It will be best for you to see the doctor about the tooth.
8. I’d like to put forward a few suggestions for you to think about.
9. Harriet was anxious for the party to be a success.
10. It might be possible for you to sign the paper today.
11. He didn’t mean for them to study in the library.
12. It was hard for the boy to read the book in the original.
Exercise 45
Comment on the infinitive phrases and translate the sentences into Ukrainian.
1. 1. He held the door open for her to get in.
2. How nice of you to know my voice! Am I disturbing you?
3. It was kind of you to come, but you must go now.
4. “Three weeks and two days, my lady,” Leadbitter replied. “How nice of you to have counted the days!” said Lady Franklin.
5. It’s too late for the children to go out.
2. 1. I have something so important to tell you that I hardly know how to say it.
2. I’m not quite sure whether to join them or not.
3. When to start is to be decided yet.
4. He hesitated what to say next.
5. I didn’t know which book to choose.
6. Tell me who to invite.
7. The question is where to hide it.
3. 1. And to tell you the truth I’m glad to have a companion myself.
2. To be frank, no other house in the town was as popular as theirs.
3. He will be a little late, to be sure, and Ann will be grumbling.
4. To cut a long story short, everything ended to her delight.
Exercise 46
Practice the for-to-Infinitive Construction after the adjectives.
When Sue and Peter Dale visited the old house to see how far the workmen had progressed with the repairs, it was disappointing for them to see that several jobs had not been done to their satisfaction.
Study the examples, then rewrite the sentences.
Model: Peter was impatient. He wanted the pile of bricks in the kitchen to be removed. – Peter was impatient for the pile of bricks in the kitchen to be removed.
a) Sue was eager that the black tiles in the bathrooms should be replaced.
b) Peter thought it necessary that the missing panes should be put into the kitchen windows immediately.
c) They were anxious that the painter should remove the red splashes from the kitchen floor immediately.
d) Sue wasn’t happy that Peter should pay the bill for the faulty central heating.
e) Sue thought it would be wrong if Peter paid the builders. The garage wasn’t wide enough for the car.
f) Sue thought it would be too dangerous if Peter tried to repair the wiring system himself.
g) They were impatient. They wanted the gardener to start his work.
h) They were eager that the workmen should be out of the house before Christmas.
Exercise 47
Combine each of the following pairs of sentences into one sentence using too / enough + for-to-Infinitive Construction.
Model: It is very cold. We can’t go out. – It’s too cold for us to go out.
1. You are very young. You can’t have a front-door key.
2. It’s very cold. We can’t bathe.
3. I am rather old. I can’t wear that kind of hat.
4. The ladder wasn’t very long. It didn’t reach the window.
5. He hadn’t much money. He couldn’t live on it.
6. He was furious. He couldn’t speak.
7. The fire wasn’t very hot. It won’t boil a kettle.
8. Tom was very foolish. He told lies to the police.
9. You are quite thin. You could slip between bars.
10. He is very ill. He can’t eat anything.
11. Our new car is very wide. It won’t get through those gates.
12. The floor wasn’t strong. We couldn’t dance on it.
13. I was terrified. I couldn’t move.
14. The coffee isn’t strong. It won’t keep us awake.
15. The river is deep. We can’t wade it.
16. He is lazy. He won’t get up early.
17. The ice is quite thick. We can walk on it.
18. He was very drunk. He couldn’t answer my questions.
19. It is very cold. We can’t have breakfast in the garden.
20. He was very snobbish. He wouldn’t talk to any of us.
21. The package is very thick. I can’t push it through the letter-box.
22. She was very mean. She never gave to charity.
23. He is very impatient. He never listens to anyone.
24. I was very tired. I couldn’t walk any further.
25. It was very hot. You could fry an egg on the pavement.
Exercise 48
Replace the group of words in italics by the infinitive or the infinitive construction.
Model: It is important that he should understand this. – It is important for him to understand this.
a) The captain was the last man who left the ship.
b) He got to the top and was very disappointed when he found that someone else had reached it first.
c) Would you be very kind and lend me your umbrella?
d) There are a lot of things that need mending.
e) I was astonished when I heard that he had left the country.
f) It is better that he should hear it from you.
g) I was rude to him, which was stupid. (It was stupid …)
h) If he had another child with whom he could play he would be happier.
i) It is necessary that everyone should know the truth.
j) There was no place where he could sit.
k) He put his hand into the pocket and was astonished when he found that his wallet wasn’t there.
l) He rushed into the burning house, which was very brave of him. (It was very brave …)
m) I can’t go to the party, I have nothing that I can wear.
n) It is expected that he will broadcast a statement tonight. (He is expected …)
o) He reached the station exhausted and was very disappointed when he learnt that the train had just left.
p) It seems that the crime was committed by a left-handed man.
q) Is it likely that he will arrive before six?
r) I was on the point of leaving the house when the phone rang.
s) This is the plan: someone will meet you at the station… (You … (be met) at the station)
t) She is anxious that they should have every possible advantage.
Exercise 49
Paraphrase the following, using the “for-phrases” with infinitives.
1. She held out the telegram so that I might see it.
2. It’s quite natural that you should think so.
3. The first thing he must do is to ring them up.
4. Let us wait till they settle this matter.
5. This is a problem you should solve by yourself.
6. I shall bring you the article that you may read.
7. I gave the umbrella to the children lest they should get wet through.
8. I’ve put on weight. I can’t wear this dress any longer.
9. He spoke loudly so that everyone might hear them.
10. There is nothing that I may add.
11. It is very unusual that he should have said such a thing.
12. It’s high time you know Grammar well.
Exercise 50
Paraphrase the following sentences so as to use the ‘for-to-Infinitive’ construction.
1. Sandy stood at the kitchen door waiting till Miss Brodie came for a walk by the sea.
2. It is time that you should go, Tom.
3. There was nobody who she could speak to.
4. A peasant was walking wearily towards us, and we waited till he came up to us in order to ask the way again.
5. Janet sat and waited till they went away.
6. She then sat down in his chair and waited till the kettle boiled.
7. Was it possible that she could forget him?
8. Then she made her way to the kitchen where the tray had been set by Mr. Anthony and waited till Mrs. Petti made the tea.
9. He waited till she spoke.
Exercise 51
Complete the sentences using the ‘for-to-Infinitive’ construction.
1. They waited at the door for (she) _________.
2. It is necessary for (he) __________.
3. There was no reason for (she) __________.
4. It was obligatory for (they) ________.
5. There were no friends for (he) _________.
6. There is nothing for (you) _________.
7. She played the violin for (they) __________.
8. It seemed strange for (they) __________.
9. It is desirable for (Pete) _________.
10. It is advisable for (they) __________.
Exercise 52
Change the sentences so that to use different constructions with the infinitive.
a) It is expected that the weather will improve.
b) It seemed that she was a very experienced teacher.
c) It appears that she likes her work very much.
d) It was very kind that you visited John in hospital.
e) Emma can’t reach the top shelf. It is very high.
f) The guests can take part in lots of activities. (there are …)
g) I knew that he was a very careful driver.
h) Don’t you find that the painting is a masterpiece?
i) I can’t go to the party; I have nothing that I can wear.
j) He may not be invited to official opening of the Good Will Games. (He is unlikely …)
k) She held me out the telegram so that I might see it.
l) It’s quite natural that you should think so.
m) Have you noticed how she flushed when you looked at her?
n) She called Peter names. I heard it.
o) He was the first person who came to the bar and the last who left it.
Exercise 53
Read the story of a girl, Vicky by name, who is learning Japanese. Identify constructions with the infinitive.
It is no uncommon thing today to go to evening classes to learn a foreign language. All members of my family did it. It was easy for my brother to learn Spanish and it was no trouble at all for my father to learn French at evening classes. But my mother found it quite difficult to learn German. As for me, it wasn’t an easy thing to learn Italian at evening classes two years ago. Grammar rules were so complicated for me to remember!
Now I’m learning Japanese and it appears to be very hard for me again. It seems quite easy for our teacher to pronounce Japanese well. But it would be foolish for us (students) to expect to acquire perfect pronunciation. It takes a lot of time.
Gradually I get to understand that it is impossible for evening class students to learn to speak Japanese fluently. It will be more reasonable for me to simplify aim at making myself understood. But it would have been wrong for me to give up the course half way through as it is unusual for me to get discouraged. But anyway I must admit it’ll be a relief for me to finish the course next summer! In fact, it would be best for me to go on holiday to Japan afterwards!
A: Answer the questions:
1. How do most people learn a foreign language today?
2. How difficult was it for Vicky’s family to learn foreign languages?
3. What problems did Vicky have when she was taking a course in Italian?
4. Vicky finds Japanese quite easy to pronounce, doesn’t she?
5. Does she expect to speak Japanese fluently after the end of the course?
B: Say what is quite easy / difficult / interesting / boring / useful / (un)necessary / helpful for you about your English studies.
C: Work in groups. Give some advice for students to improve their English. You may use the following:
It is important / useful / necessary /
It will be a good idea / the best thing / for you + to-infinitive
There are so many / different + noun /
Exercise 54
Provide a natural conversational context for the following statements.
1. To choose time is to save time (Francis Bacon (1561-1626) – an English politician, philosopher and writer. He is known especially because of the suggestion that he may have written some or all of Shakespeare’s plays).
2. To live long it is necessary to live slowly (Marcus Cicero (106-43 BC) – a Roman consul, who was a famous public speaker and writer).
3. To live by medicine is to live horribly (Carl Linnaeus (1707-78) – a Swedish scientist who studied animals and plants and invented the system (the Linnaean system) for putting them into classes).
4. The best way to make the children good, is to make them happy (Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) – an Irish writer best known for his play “The Importance of Being Earnest” and his novel “The Picture of Dorian Gray”).
Exercise 55
Learn the following proverbs. Comment upon them and illustrate their meanings by little stories of your own invention.
1. Every oak must be an acorn.
2. Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.
3. The fish will soon be caught that nibbles at every bait.
4. The bull must be taken by the horns.
5. Take not a musket to kill a butterfly.
6. Let bygones be bygones.
7. Through obedience learn to command.
8. It is useless to flog a dead horse.
9. It is easier to be wise after the event.
10. It is easy to bear the misfortunes of others.
11. It is easier to pull down than to build.
12. He that fights and runs away may live to fight another day.
13. Set a thief to catch a thief.
14. It is better to wear out than to rust out.
Exercise 56
Translate into English.
A:
1. Хто дозволив вам взяти цю книгу?
2. Компанія найняла нового досвідченого бухгалтера, щоб привести справи до ладу.
3. Американка Джейн Браун вчить шимпанзе використовувати мову німих.
4. Врешті-решт продавець умовив нас взяти цю модель.
5. Я не винен, мене змусили зрадити вас.
6. Коли мені було 10 років, я присягнулася ніколи не брехати у своєму житті.
7. Хто дозволив дітям їсти морозиво до сніданку?
8. Президент закликав ворогуючі сторони сісти за стіл переговорів і знайти мирне вирішення цього конфлікту.
9. Я хочу, щоб ти зателефонував лікарю, коли повернешся.
10. Лікар наказав мені їсти більше фруктів.
11. Один із приятелів Джона зробив так, щоб його взяли на роботу.
12. Що змусило вас запізнитися на лекцію?
13. Кейт застерегла Джона, щоб він не докучав їй своїми дзвінками.
14. Ми плануємо завершити будівництво до кінця року.
15. На жаль, Сара схильна все перебільшувати, я не довіряю їй.
B:
1. Раді бачити вас у нашому домі.
2. Братан неохоче приміряв нові джинси.
3. Ця сукня дуже дорога, щоб купити її, і занадто модна, щоб одягати її на роботу.
4. Президент призначив свого помічника представляти інтереси країни на переговорах.
5. Вона тільки й робить, що отримує незадовільні оцінки.
6. Йому знадобилася не одна година, щоб знайти троянди необхідного кольору.
7. Діти очікували, що батьки повернуться з вечірки раніше.
8. Для вас краще обрати шпалери та кахлі зараз.
9. Ти мрієш, тільки й того. Чому б не спробувати здійснити свою мрію?
10. Мері змусила чоловіка купити нову квартиру.
11. Джек найняв Пітера відремонтувати свій офіс.
12. Для туристів ліпше за все знайти недорогий готель.
13. Усі побажали мені одужати до понеділка.
14. Він прагне стати відомим за будь-яку ціну.
15. Ми прикинулися, що кулінарне мистецтво бабусі було нам до вподоби.
C:
1. Бажано, щоб ти повернувся з роботи раніше.
2. Вчора їй було необхідно зустріти в аеропорту друга.
3. Дельфіни достатньо кмітливі, щоб виконувати прості команди.
4. Продавець порадила мені придбати ці парфуми.
5. Лікар порадив мені утриматися від паління.
6. Ми найняли вас, щоб навчити наших дітей малювати.
7. Пробач, але я забув виключити праску.
8. Він тільки й робить, що скаржиться на нестачу грошей.
9. Цей рецепт дуже простий, щоб здивувати тітку Поллі.
10. Так нерозумно з мого боку дозволяти обдурювати себе.
11. Добре знову опинитися вдома.
12. Вчора Джон врешті-решт погодився повести дітей до зоопарку.
13. Мене примусили погодитися на жорсткі вимоги.
14. У батьків Джима достатньо грошей, щоб послати його до Гарварду вчитися.
15. Наша компанія рада повідомити вам умови контракту.
16. Йому знадобилося кілька років, щоб вивчити японську мову.
17. Ситуація має тенденцію змінюватися кожні 4 місяці.
18. Уряд закликав громадян не панікувати.
19. Мого батька призначили виконувати обов’язки директора філії.
20. Ця тварина занадто незалежна, щоб тримати її в клітці.
THE GERUND
The Gerund is a non-finite form of the verb that has both noun and verb characteristics. Its noun characteristics are the following:
1. The Gerund can be the subject of the sentence, an object, a predicative (e.g. Reading is his favourite pastime. (subject) I’ve finished reading. (object) My worst habit is smoking. (predicative)
2. It can be preceded by a preposition (e.g. He insisted on coming in time).
3. It can be modified by a noun in the possessive case or a possessive pronoun (e.g. Excuse my interrupting you. I hate John’s coming late every day).
Its verb characteristics are the following:
1. It can be followed by a direct or an indirect object (e.g. Closing the factory means putting people out of work. He hates speaking to strangers.)
2. It can be modified by an adverb (e.g. A teacher of English must avoid speaking too quickly.)
3. The Gerund has voice and tense distinctions:
Objective verbs have four forms of the Gerund:
| Indefinite | Passive |
| writing | being written |
| Perfect | Perfect Passive |
| having written | having been written |
Subjective verbs have only two forms of the Gerund:
| Indefinite | Passive |
| standing | - |
| Perfect | Perfect Passive |
| having stood | - |
The Gerund can be easily confused with the verbal noun. In some cases it is impossible to tell whether you are dealing with a gerund or with a verbal noun and consequently impossible to translate the sentence with any degree of exactness. In most cases we can distinguish between the gerund and the verbal noun in the following way:
The gerund:
1. Has tense and voice forms; so the forms being done, having done etc. can not be nouns;
2. Can take a direct object; so “-ing” form followed by a direct object (reading a letter) can not be a noun;
3. Can be modified by an adverb; so “-ing” form modified b an adverb(reading fast) can not be a noun;
4. Can be part of a verbal aspect predicate; so “-ing” form following the verbs to begin, to stop, to go on, to keep, etc. are mostly gerunds.
The verbal noun:
1. Can be used in the plural (bright sayings of her children);
2. Can have an article (the banging of the lift);
3. Can be followed by a prepositional phrase in an attributive function (a faint glimmering of light);
4. Can be modified by an adjective, a demonstrative pronoun or an indefinite pronoun (the bright sayings).
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