1.5.

INFINITIVE/INFINITIVAL CONSTRUCTIONS

These constructions are considered to be of a predicative type and represent

combinations between a nominal element (noun/ pronoun in the N/Acc) and a
verbal element (a verb in the infinitive).
The relationship between the two elements is of a predicative type because the
infinitive functions as the logical predicate of the nominal element, having a close
semantic link with this one.
This predicative character is obvious when these constructions are turned into full
sentences, the subjects of which are the nominal elements.

We consider Alice to be a devoted friend = We consider that Alice is a devoted

friend.
Alice is known to be a….

Though the two sentences are taken as equivalent, cognitive linguistics would
distinguish semantic differences in their meanings, saying that the first one would
mean “We know this because there was an instance when she proved it”, while the
latter “Since other people say she is a devoted friend, we also think she is”.
In other words, the first statement is made from first-hand experience, being more
personal and assuming responsibility for its truth, whereas the latter has as its source
second-hand experience.

1.5.1. The Accusative with the Infinitive

As its very name suggests, it is a combination between a noun/ pronoun in the

accusative and a long/ short infinitive, the latter being, as already mentioned, in a
predicative relationship with the former.
The nominal element has a twofold quality: it is the grammatical object of the
finite verb and has the force of a subject for the verbal/the infinitive, although it
cannot formally limit this one.
On a syntactic level, the construction performs the function of an object
complement, according to some grammarians, or complex object, according to
some others, Levitchi included. Note that the choice between a long and a short
infinitive depends on the verb preceding it.

CASES OF USE

The Accusative is used:

A. with the short infinitive:

1. after verbs of physical perception see, hear, feel, notice, observe, perceive,
watch, look at, listen to
Somebody may have noticed him leave the house.
Just watch me do it if you don’t believe me.
I stood still and listened to the rain patter on the leaves.

*Note that:
- when the verbs see, hear and feel indicate mental, not physical perception, they
cannot be followed by an accusative with an infinitive; instead, they take an
object/that-clause:
I hear (that) you have given up being so arrogant.
I see (that) you do not understand.
 I felt (that) she utterly disliked me.

- In the passive voice, these verbs are followed by the long infinitive:
He was noticed to sneak out of the room.

The verbs mentioned above can also take a present participle to indicate an action in
progress and not (as is the case with the infinitive) an already completed action:
He was noticed sneaking out of the room.

2. after the causatives let, make, have

Don’t let him start without us.
You shouldn’t let slip/pass/go/fly such an opportunity.
He simply made me do it.
I have to tell you that we have to make do with second-hand information. Finally,
the prosecutor had him confess.
I won’t have you say such things in front of my children.
I had an extraordinary thing happen to me.

3. after the verbs know (in the past and perfect tenses), bid, help (Br.E).
I don’t think I have ever known (seen) him (to) smile.
He bade them leave the room.
I helped them (to) take the necessary steps.

B. with the long infinitive:

1. after verbs expressing intention, desire, will: want, wish/desire, hate, mean
(=intend), choose, expect, forbid, demand
I want him never to show his face again.

2. after declarative verbs, such as: declare, admit, report, announce, state, confess,
pronounce, reckon.
The jury pronounced the defendant (to be) not guilty.

3. after verbs expressing emotions and feelings: (dis)like, prefer, can’t bear.
I strongly dislike him to drive so fast.

4. after verbs expressing a request/demand: ask, demand/request, urge, invite,

beg.
They simply begged him to reconsider his position.

5. after exercitive verbs expressing an obligation, an order or permission: oblige,

order, command, warn, allow/permit.
The police officer ordered the injured people to be taken to hospital
immediately.

6. after causative verbs other than the ones previously mentioned: get, cause,
determine, force, compel, instruct.
I hope someone will force him to take his pills as he needs them badly. What
got you to delay the departure?

7. after verbs expressing mental activities: know, understand, consider/think,

believe, suppose, imagine.
I’ve always believed her to be weird.
*Note that in spoken English such verbs are followed by object/that-clauses: I’ve
always believed that she is weird.

8. after some prepositional verbs: call/count/depend/rely on/upon, hope/wait for.

Don’t count on me to find a solution to your problems.

1.5.2. The Nominative with the Infinitive

In the sentence His son is said to be a good student, the relationship between his son
and the IP to be a good student, is that between a logical subject and a logical
predicate. As in the case of the ACC. with the INF., its elements are in a predicative
relation. On a syntactic level, the infinitive performs the function of subject
complement.
As a subject complement, the infinitive alternates with the gerund in sentences
like:
My intention was not to hurt him.
To know the truth is to take action.

On the other hand, it may be the passive counterpart of the active construction the
ACC. with the INF. Consequently, it can follow the passive form of most of the verbs
used in the ACC. with the INF., with the exception of those expressing intention/desire
which cannot be used in passive constructions (want, wish etc.).
So, the nominative with the infinitive can be used in the passive voice after:

1. verbs of physical perception (see, hear, listen, observe, notice etc.);

2. causative verbs (cause, have, make, get, compel, drive, encourage,
oblige, prompt, lead etc.);
3. declarative verbs (say, tell, declare etc.). Note that the verbs to say and
to certify can be used only in the nominative with the infinitive);
4. verbs expressing mental activities (fancy, imagine, know, believe,
suppose, think, consider etc.);
5. verbs of order, permission, request (allow, permit, authorize, command,
summon, recommend, request, require etc.) .

Besides these categories of verbs that can also be followed by an acc. with the inf.,
the nominative with the infinitive occurs in the active voice with:
a) some intransitive verbs such as: happen, chance, prove, turn out, appear,
seem:

He happens to come this very afternoon.

She seemed to have understood my position, didn’t she?

Note that in spoken English, a subject-clause usually replaces the construction: It

happens that he comes this …. It seemed that she had understood …)
b) the link/copula verb to be followed by adjectives like certain, sure,
(un)likely:
He is sure to be late as usual.
Are they likely to be working so late?

1.5.3. The For-To Infinitive

A for-to construction is called for if the subject of the subordinate clause is distinct
from the subject of the main clause. The relationship between the elements is also of
the implicit predicative type.
 Unlike the other two infinitival constructions, the for-to infinitive can perform
several syntactic functions that will be further specified. The construction is used:

a) in impersonal patterns (the so called introductory/anticipatory IT +

be/seem/appear), after such evaluative adjectives like: easy, (im)possible,
good, advisable, (un)necessary, useless/useful, difficult, imperative,
urgent, or evaluative nouns like: a(n) pleasure/great/joy/pity/insult/pain in
the …

It seems/is/appears rather difficult for him to find another job. It’s a great joy
for all of us to get together on such an occasion.

*Notes:

• since normative/prescriptive judgment is at stake with such

adjectives/ nouns, the for-to construction is roughly equivalent to a
subjunctive clause:

It is necessary for prices to go down to prevent the collapse of economy. It is

necessary that prices (should) go down…

• these patterns are intended for a certain thing/person;

nevertheless, they can have a general/indefinite application when
the for+noun/pronoun are omitted:

It’s impossible to make him see things right.

• other frequent colloquial noun phrases used with this construction

are: any/no/not much/little use, any/no good, the fashion, good/bad
taste, high time.
• the following patterns are also intended to apply to a certain
person/thing: adjectives. (bold, hard, considerate, generous,
(un)kind, decent, (im)polite, rude, silly, wise, wrong, …) + of
somebody to do something or somebody is adjective to do
something:

It is wise of him to co-operate with this company.

He is wise to…

• the of constructions can be transformed into an exclamation:

How wise (it is) of him to co-operate!

b) After certain indefinite pronouns:

There is nothing for us to do here. There was nowhere for her to go.

c) After some transitive or prepositional verbs, which accept both the for-to
infinitive and a for-prepositional object or a prepositional object
introduced by a different preposition: wait, long, consent, beg, vote, be
happy, provide:

I would be surprised/happy for him to win the contest.

Syntactic Functions:

• subject anticipated by meaningless/dummy it, having a subject

complement expressed by an adjective or a noun; the infinitive here is a
noun modifier or modifier of an adjective:

It is easy for you to make such an allegation.

It was the proper time for her to start taking action.

• adverbial modifier of purpose, of manner (where the infinitive functions

as modifier of an adjective), of result:

We stepped back for the chairman to enter the room.

I am anxious for my friend to meet them.
The sentence was too difficult for them to translate.
Are they upon such good terms as for her to disclose the uncomfortable truth?

• attribute, where the infinitive is a noun modifier:

Here are some clues for you to use in solving the case.
There are some letters for you to sign before you leave.

Additional Notes on the Infinitive

1. agreement of the infinitive: the incorrect agreement of the infinitive

with a certain subject is a rather frequent error:

To write well, a thorough knowledge of grammar is necessary.

To be always happy, a sense of humour is essential.

This incorrect construction is known as a dangling infinitive and the above

sentences should be rephrased as:

To write well, one should have a …/ A thorough knowledge of grammar is

necessary if we want to write well.

2. anaphoric TO: verbs, nouns and adjectives that may take an infinitive
with TO, may also be followed by TO without an infinitive, to refer to a preceding
verb/verb group:

Don’t go there alone unless you simply have to.

Sometimes TO may be dropped, but when it appears, it makes reference to the

preceding verb/verb group more explicit. After some verbs it cannot be omitted
without a change in meaning:

Go if you want to!

I don’t care (to).

This is known as the implicit infinitive. If the infinitive is be/have we usually keep it:

Isn’t he the leader here? No, and he doesn’t want to be!

 EXERCISES MEANT 2 PRACTISE INFINITIVAL CONSTRUCTIONS

1. Find the subject complement in the following sentences and state what it
is expressed by:

She seems to have been crying. He appeared to have been satisfied with the results.
They were requested to be ready by the next day. You prove to be working
ceaselessly when you really want something done. She is supposed to observe the
rules if she wants to play the game.

2. Fill in the blanks with the appropriate form of the infinitive (with/ without
to, active/ passive, progressive/ non-progressive, perfect/ non-perfect):

The mild climate will surely allow the tender plant (place) in the open air. The woman
was observed (follow) him closely. He hated (have) (treat) her like that the day
before. The patient was known (suffer) from the same disease for years. The house
wants (paint). You needn’t (bother) so much about it. It might (be) pleasant for them
(remember) on Christmas who made lame beggars (walk) and blind man (see). It
can’t be true! I just know he couldn’t (react) so rudely on such an occasion. The best
thing (do) is (shelve) something you can do nothing about. He was pretty sure his wife
was not the woman (say) something like that.

3. Make up sentences using the models given (active or passive

constructions):

 S+be+known/said/allowed/reported/expected/considered
/requested/made/seen + to-/ to be –ing/ to have –en/ to have been –ing/ to be –
en/ to have been –en
e.g. She was seen to sneak out of the room.

 S+seem(s)/appeared/proved/happened/turned out+IP
e.g. Finally, the painting turned out to be a forgery.

4. Make 7 sentences and give examples of infinitives filling in the following

syntactic functions: subject, subject complement, object, object
complement, adverbial modifier, noun/pronoun modifier, adjective modifier.

5. Make up sentences using the following formulae:

a) S+V (= ask, tell, get, order) +O+OC: I’ll get her to telephone you when she
comes back.
b) S+V (= see, hear, feel, notice) +O+OC: We saw the robbers leave the bank.
c) (S)+V (= let) +O+OC: I can’t let you do that to me. Let me help you.
d) S+V (= make) +O+OC: The rain made everybody run.

6. Put the verbs and pronouns in brackets in the correct forms:

The sad news made (she, lie) awake all night and (keep, she) thinking. I didn’t expect
(he, understand) what it all meant to me. The owner wanted (I, do) the job for a place
to eat and sleep. I got (they, take) care of food and drinks for the party. The talk with
him made (we, feel) beside ourselves with joy. We believe (she, be) appointed head of
the department.

7. Translate:
Nu va permit sa va duceti acolo.
El a vrut ca noi sa ramanem peste noapte.
Cred ca e insurat de ceva vreme.
Te-am rugat sa nu stai treaza atat de tarziu.
Parintii voiau ca el sa mearga la aceea facultate.
L-am observat mergand ingandurat spre casa.
L-au facut sa-si dea seama ce greseala imensa era pe cale sa faca.
Nu poate suferi cand il mint.
N-o sa-ti permit sa te faci de ras, si-am sa-i fac sa regrete ca te-au pus intr-o situatie
atat de stanjenitoare.
Trebuie sa recunosc ca e foarte grea problema.
Am simtit ca intregul plan este lipsit de ratiune.
Le-a dovedit ca nu au dreptate.
Da-mi voie sa-ti spun ca gresesti profund.
Gasesc ca situatia lui este ingrozitoare.
Daca-l provoci sa recunoasca totul, o sa-l innebunesti.
M-a strigat cineva?
Se pare ca nu lucreaza.
Se pare ca a plouat.
Se pare ca a baut putin.
Parea in stare sa stea in picioare.
Se spune ca i s-a acordat premiul Nobel.
Se spunea ca nu-i placea nimeni.
Se credea despre noi ca muncim.
Se credea ca a venit din America.
El s-a dovedit a fi un profesor bun.
S-a dovedit ca fusese un profesor bun.
Am intrat in sala de asteptare, dar nu era nimeni cu care sa pot sta de vorba.
Am repetat intrebarea destul de tare ca s-o auda si el, cu toate ca era genul de
persoana care se face ca nu aude ce nu-i convine.
El este cel care trebuie sa hotarasca in aceasta chestiune, asa ca ai face mai bine sa-l
lasi in pace.
A fost, ca sa nu spun mai mult, foarte neintelept din partea ta sa refuzi o asemena
oferta.
Si cand te gandesti ca n-o sa-l mai vedem niciodata; sa-ti spun cinstit, m-am cam
atasat de el.
Ca sa vorbesc pe sleau, sa te certi cu el nu este cel mai bun lucru pe care sa-l faci
acum; mai bine incerci sa fii intrutotul de acord cu sugestiile lui.
Nu uita sa-i transmiti mesajul exact asa cum ti l-am scris; nu tu trebuie sa hotarasti
daca e potrivit sau nu; aminteste-ti ca i-ai spus parerea ta si nu a parut interesata.
N-am vrut s-o fac sa planga, dar a trebuit sa-i spun vestea.
Pentru a-i aprecia pe deplin calitatile, ar trebui sa-l cunosti mai bine.
Se spune ca a fost invitat sa participle la conferinta, dar n-ar fi putut s-o faca pentru
ca doctorul l-a obligat sa ramana acasa.