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 friend. devoted

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 dont 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 Dont let him start without us. You shouldnt 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 wont 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 dont 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, cant 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. Ive always believed her to be weird. Note that in spoken English such verbs are followed by object/that-clauses: Ive always believed that she is weird.

8. after some prepositional verbs: call/count/depend/rely on/upon, hope/wait for. Dont 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: verbs of physical perception (see, hear, listen, observe, notice etc.); 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.) .
1. 2.

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, didnt 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 Its a great joy

It seems/is/appears rather difficult for him to find another job. 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:

Its 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: Dont 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 dont care (to). This is known as the implicit infinitive. If the infinitive is be/have we usually keep it: Isnt he the leader here? No, and he doesnt want to be!