Grammar Perspective, EUB, 2006. Approach, EUB, 2003. Reference & Practice Book With Answers, Longman, 2003

Tema nr.
1
THE FORMS OF THE INFINITIVE IN ENGLISH
Uniti de nvare :
Active&Passive Continuous Aspect forms
Negation of the Infinitive
Position of auxiliary adverbs in the infinitive clause
Unsplit and Split Infinitive
Obiectivele temei:
nelegerea conceptelor teoretice i formarea perspectivei asupra

infinitivului in limba engleza si romana;
cunoaterea formelor de la infinitiv, atat la diateza activa, cat si la cea
pasiva;
dezbaterea particularitilor ce tin de forma verbelor la aspectul continuu
si perfect;
analizarea diferentelor formale si schimbarilor fonetice si de scriere ce
apar la verbe;
Timpul alocat temei : 2 ore
Bibliografie recomandat :
Cornilescu, Alexandra & Iclezan-Dimitriu, Ioan, The Infinitive, Editura
Institutul European, Iasi, 2000.
Cornilescu, Alexandra, Concepts of Modern Grammar. A Generative
Grammar perspective, EUB, 2006.
Cornilescu, Alexandra, Complementation in English. A Minimalist
Approach, EUB, 2003.
Foley, Mark & Hall, Diane, Advanced Learners Grammar. A self-study
reference & practice book with answers, Longman, 2003.
Paidos, Constantin, English Grammar. Theory and Practice, vol I and II,
Polirom, 2001.
Nastase, Roxana, Gramatica engleza. Verbul. Notiuni generale si
exercitii. Cu rezolvari, vol. II, Edit. Nastase, 2004.
Parlog, Hortensia, The English Infinitive- a Source of errors for the
Romanian Learners, in the volume The Sounds of Sounds, Editura Hestia,
Timisoara, 1995.
1.1. Infinitives in English

English has three non-finite verbal forms, but by long-standing convention, the
term "infinitive" is applied to only one of these. (The other two are the past- and
present-participle forms, where the present-participle form is also the gerund
form.) In English, a verb's infinitive is its unmarked form, such as be, do, have,
or sit, often introduced by the particle to. When this particle is absent, the
infinitive is said to be a bare infinitive; when it is present, it is generally
considered to be a part of the infinitive, then known as the full infinitive (or toinfinitive), and there is a controversy about whether it should be separated from
the main word of the infinitive. (See Split infinitive.)
Nonetheless, modern theories typically do not consider the to-infinitive to be a
distinct constituent, instead taking the particle to to operate on an entire verb
phrase; so, to buy a car is parsed as to {buy {a car}}, not as {to buy} {a car}.
The bare infinitive and the full infinitive are mostly in complementary
distribution. They are not generally interchangeable, but the distinction does not
generally affect the meaning of a sentence; rather, certain contexts call almost
exclusively for the bare infinitive, and all other contexts call for the full
infinitive.
Huddleston and Pullum's recent Cambridge Grammar of the English Language
(CGEL) does not use the notion of the infinitive, arguing that English uses the
same form of the verb, the plain form, in infinitival clauses that it uses in
imperative and present-subjunctive clauses.
1.2. Uses of the bare infinitive
The bare infinitive is used in few contexts, but some of these are quite common:
The bare infinitive is used as the main verb after the dummy auxiliary
verb do, or most modal auxiliary verbs (such as will, can, or should). So,
"I will/do/can/etc. see it."
Several common verbs of perception, including see, watch, hear, feel, and
sense take a direct object and a bare infinitive, where the bare infinitive
indicates an action taken by the main verb's direct object. So, "I
saw/watched/heard/etc. it happen." (A similar meaning can be effected by
using the present participle instead: "I saw/watched/heard/etc. it
happening." The difference is that the former implies that the entirety of
the event was perceived, while the latter implies that part of the progress
of the event was perceived.)
2
Similarly with several common verbs of permission or causation,

including make, bid, let, and have. So, "I made/bade/let/had him do it."
(However, make takes a to-infinitive in the passive voice: "I was made to
do it.")
With the word why. So, "Why reveal it?"
The bare infinitive is the dictionary form of a verb, and is generally the
form of a verb that receives a definition; however, the definition itself
generally uses a to-infinitive. So, "The word 'amble' means 'to walk
slowly.'"
The bare infinitive form is also the present subjunctive form and the
imperative form, although most grammarians do not consider uses of the
present subjunctive or imperative to be uses of the bare infinitive.
1.3. Uses of the full infinitive

The full infinitive (or to-infinitive) is used in a great many different contexts:
Outside of dictionary headwords, it is the most commonly used citation

form of the English verb: "How do we conjugate the verb to go?"
It can be used like a noun phrase, expressing its action or state in an
abstract, general way. So, "To err is human"; "To know me is to love
me". (However, a gerund is often preferred for this "Being is doing"
would be more natural than the abstract and philosophical sounding "To
be is to do.")
It can be used like an adjective or adverb, expressing purpose or intent.
So, "The letter says I'm to wait outside", or "He is the man to talk to", or
"[In order] to meditate, one must free one's mind."
In either of the above uses, it can often be given a subject using the
preposition for: "For him to fail now would be a great disappointment";
"[In order] for you to get there on time, you'll need to leave now." (The
former sentence could also be written, "His failing now would be a great
disappointment.")
It can be used after many intransitive verbs; in this case, it generally has
the subject of the main verb as its implicit subject. So, "I agreed to leave",
or "He failed to make his case." (This may be considered a special case of
the noun-like use above.) With some verbs the infinitive may carry a
significantly different meaning from a gerund: compare I stopped to talk
to her with I stopped talking to her, or I forgot to buy the bread with I
forgot buying the bread.
It can be used after the direct objects of many transitive verbs; in this
case, it generally has the direct object of the main verb as its implicit
subject. So, "I convinced him to leave with me", or "He asked her to
make his case on his behalf." However, in some cases, the subject of the
main clause is also subject of the infinitival clause, as in "John promises

Mary to cook", where the cook is John (the subject of the main sentence),
and not Mary (the object).
As a special case of the above, it can often be used after an intransitive
verb, together with a subject using the preposition for: "I arranged for
him to accompany me", or "I waited for summer to arrive."
When the verb is implied, some dialects will reduce the to-infinitive to simply
to: "Do I have to?"
2. THE FORMS OF THE INFINITIVE

2.1. Negation of the infinitive.
The negative of the infinitive is formed by placing the negation NOT before the
particle TO:
For example:
To be or not to be that is the question.
to be asking
not to be asking
to have asked
not to have asked
TESTE DE EVALUARE
1. Give the Active Continuous Aspect form of the following indefinite
infinitives:
Model:
to ask
to be asking
l. bear; 2. beat; 3. bite; 4. blow; 5. burst; 6. catch; 7. choose; 8. creep; 9. deal; 10.
feed: 11.fly; 12.forbid; 13.grow; 14.hang; 15.hide; 16. hit; 17. hold; 18.hurt; 19.
kneel; 20. lay; 21. play; 22. gain; 23. try; 24. heat; 25. increase.
2. Give the Passive Continuous Aspect form of the following infinitives:
Model:
to ask
to be being asked
1. air; 2. build; 3. chain; 4. decorate; 5. entertain; 6. fake; 7. garnish; 8. hand; 9.

hang; 10. help; 11. house; 12. indulge; 13. inhale; 14. join; 15. lash; 16. lead; 17.
look at; 18. make; 19. match; 20. note; 21. observe; 22. paint; 23. paper; 24.
slough; 25. type.
3. Give the Passive form of the following infinitives:
Model:
to ask
to be asked
1. act; 2. beg; 3. believe; 4. call; 5. choose; 6. dab;7. fill; 8. kick; 9. lead; 10.
leave; 11. lend; 12. mow; 13. seek; 14. select; 15. sew; 16. shake; 17. shoot; 18.
shut; 19. sink; 20. slap, 21. sow; 22. spell; 23. spill; 24. spread; 25. steal.
4. Give the Active Perfect form of the following infinitives:
Model:
to ask
to have asked
1. answer; 2. bargain; 3. calm; 4. darken; 5. fast; 6. feel; 7. forget; 8. forgive; 9.
stick
10. stride; 11. strike; 12. strive; 13. swear; 14. sweep; 15. swim; 16. take; 17.
teach; 18. tell 19. think; 20. throw; 21. wake; 22. wear; 23. weave; 24. win; 25.
wind.
5. Give the Active Perfect Continuous Aspect form of the following infinitives:
Model:
to ask
to have been asking
1. abuse; 2. bar; 3. beseech; 4. bet; 5. bid; 6. bleed; 7. breed; 8. camp; 9. cast; 10.
cleave 11. cling; 12. dash; 13. drive; 14. dwell; 15. face; 16. flee; 17. forsake;
18. hew; 19. knit 20. lade; 21. lean; 22. leap; 23. lend; 24. light; 25. quit.
6. Give the Passive Perfect form of the following infinitives:
Model: to ask
to have been asked
I. accept; 2. admit; 3. ban; 4. darn; 5. faint; 6. knit; 7. ride; 8. saw; 9. shear; 10.
sweep; 11. shoot; 12. shred; 13. slay; 14. smite; 15. spill; 16. spin; 17. sting; 18.
strew; 19. strike; 20. string; 21. swell; 22. tear; 23. throw; 24. thrust; 25. wring.
2.2. Position of auxiliary adverbs in the infinitive clause.

Grammarians have described a class of "auxiliary adverbs": almost, already,
always, ever, just, merely, still, utterly, etc. These adverbs appear in front of the
main verb, if there is no auxiliary, or after the first auxiliary, when there is one or
more than one auxiliary in the sentence:
5
For example:
He still loved music.
You can always say that.
He has already come.
He has already been working for two hours.
It is still raining.
Observation: Facts are parallel in the infinitive clause. If there is no auxiliary,
the adverb appears in front of TO, or between TO and the verb. The latter is the
"split infinitive" construction, which, though frowned upon by conservative
grammarians, is gaining ground in contemporary English.
2.3. 'Unsplit infinitive'
For further details, see Split Infinitive below.
For example:
The girl seemed always to be in half-mourning.
This man I do not remember ever to have seen.
She seems to have always been admired.
We seem to have frequently overlooked this problem.
The "split infinitive" construction is infrequent when there is an auxiliary:
? This man I don't remember to ever have seen.
2.4. 'Split infinitive' . Types
In the modern language, splitting usually involves a single adverb coming
between the verb and its marker. Very frequently, this is an emphatic adverb, for
example:
I need you all to really pull your weight.
I'm gonna totally pulverise him. (gon-na = going to)
Sometimes it is a negation, as in the self-referential joke:
Writers should learn to not split infinitives.
However, in modern colloquial English almost any adverb may be found in this
syntactic position, especially when the adverb and the verb form a close
syntactic unit (really-pull, not-split).
Compound split infinitives, splitting by more than one word, usually involve a
pair of adverbs or a multi-word adverbial:
We are determined to completely and utterly eradicate the disease.
He is thought to almost never have made such a gesture before.
This is a great opportunity to once again communicate our basic
message.
Examples of non-adverbial elements participating in the split-infinitive
construction seem rarer in Modern English than in Middle English. The pronoun
all commonly appears in this position:
It was their nature to all hurt one another.
and may even be combined with an adverb:
I need you to all really pull your weight.
This is an extension of the subject pronoun (you all). However an object
pronoun as in the Layamon example would be unusual in modern English,
perhaps because this might cause a listener to misunderstand the to as a
preposition:
*And he called to him all his wise knights to him advise.
Other parts of speech would be very unusual in this position. However, in verse,
poetic inversion for the sake of meter or of bringing a rhyme word to the end of
a line often results in abnormal syntax, as with Shakespeare's split infinitive (to
pitied be, cited above), in fact an inverted passive construction in which the
infinitive is split by a past participle. Presumably, this would not have occurred
in a prose text by the same author.
Ask Pete to kindly make me a sandwich. / They are prepared to generously
donate their fortune.
If there is an auxiliary, the preferred positions are before TO, or after the first
auxiliary.
TEST DE EVALUARE
Insert the adverbs in brackets in the infinitive clause; in solving this exercise
you may find useful the explanations in the right hand column:
1. The Government decided to hold a meeting on Mondays. (always)
7
2. She wanted to be told the truth, but Jim insisted on letting her find it herself.
(quickly)
3. He was believed to be working for that company. (already)
4. He was asked to take the ladder with him. (again)
5. I was very disappointed to find that she hadn't kept her promise. (once more)
6. They assumed him to be working on the novel. (still)
7. The teacher's intention was to explain the problems to the students, (clearly)
8. He seems to have believed that firmly. (always)
9. She is supposed to have paid visits to this family in her youth. (often)
10. He gave father the key and told him to take over. (simply)
11. She cannot recollect to have seen him. (ever)
12. Mother wanted me to cut the birthday cake into twelve equal pieces.
(carefully)
Tema nr.2
INFINITIVE SUBJECT CLAUSES
Uniti de nvare :
TO- subject infinitive clause
Agreement
FOR-TO Constructions
Clause position
Obiectivele temei:
cunoaterea constructiilor To-infinitive si FOR-TO infinitive in engleza si
echivalentele lor in romana;
cunoaterea i utilizarea adecvat a noiunii de acord;
analizarea diferentelor formale cu privire la pozitia in fraza a propozitiei
infinitive;
Timpul alocat temei : 4-5 ore
Polirom, 2001.

Timisoara, 1995.
1. INFINITIVE SUBJECT CLAUSES

Generally, in the TO-clause, the infinitive subject is understood as identical
with a nominal phrase in the main clause. This phrase is called the controller of
the infinitive subject. Speakers are always able to identify the subject of the
infinitive because it is identical with the controller. Here are examples:
a. I managed to see him.
b. I promised her to help.
b'. I promised her that I would help.
c. They persuaded the doctor to help them.
c'. They persuaded the doctor that he should help them.
d. It would surprise me indeed to find tickets for the show.
d'. It would surprise me indeed if/ found tickets for the show.
In the first two examples, sentences a, b, the controller is the main clause
subject, that is, the subject of the infinitive is the same as that of the main clause.
This is also shown by the paraphrase of example b, i.e., sentence b'. In example
c, the controller of the infinitive subject is the direct object of the main verb, as
shown by the paraphrase in c'. In example d, the controller is again the direct
object of the main verb, as again shown by paraphrase d'. If there is no
controller in the main clause, the infinitive subject is interpreted as a generic
indefinite pronoun, equivalent with ONE. This suggestion is confirmed by
agreement phenomena with the reflexive ONESELF or the possessive ONE'S.
Here are examples:
It is important to do one's duty.
To shave oneself every morning may become tiresome.
To see is to believe.
When the subject of the infinitive is distinct from any nominal phrase in the
main clause, it may be introduced by FOR, a former preposition meaningless in
this construction, which assigns the infinitive subject the accusative case. The
result is a FOR-TO infinitive clause. Compare the following pairs of examples
and notice that if the infinitive has its own (expressed) subject, the latter is
introduced by FOR. Here are examples:
10
I arranged to go. => I will go.

I arranged for him to go. => He will go.
I was pleased to win the competition. =>
I was pleased that I won the
competition.
I was pleased for him to win the competition. => I was pleased that he won the
competition.
An infinitive subject clause normally appears in a post verbal extraposed
position (at the right end of the sentence). The preverbal subject position is held
by the meaningless pronoun IT (the so - called introductory-anticipatory IT). Its
role is to introduce and announce the subject clause. For example:
It is essential for them to seize this opportunity.
It would be a good idea to run him as a candidate.
Preverbal subject clauses are infrequent. For example:
For them to seize this opportunity is important.
To run Mr. Brown as a candidate was a natural suggestion.
Exercises:
1. Complete the following sentences using the appropriate (negative or
affirmative) of one of the following verbs: answer, burn, cover, do, help, lock,
plant, prepare, take, waste.
1. It's impossible............................. all these questions.
2. It's essential................................ this distance in an hour.
3. It's necessary............................... one's assignments regularly.
4. It's not advisable.......................... the steaks and sausages.
5. It's customary.............................. the Christmas tree on Christmas Eve.
6. It's safe....................................... the door before you leave home.
7. It's immoral................................ old people in need.
8. It's wrong.................................... these trees in early autumn.
9. It would be foolish...................... advantage of this opportunity.
10. It's typical of him......................... money on the pools.
2. Insert the words in brackets in the appropriate form, interpreting the
nominal phrase as the subject, and the verb phrase as the predicate of a FORTO infinitive construction.
Model:
It is typical (Arthur, be impolite to his father)
It is typical for Arthur to be impolite to his father.
1. It is vital (he, get a grant for his studies).
2. It is possible (anyone, learn good English).
11
3. It is usual (John, go jogging to lose weight).

4. It is customary (Mary, go to bed late).
5. It is unusual (mother, go to the hairdresser's).
6. It's forbidden (tourists, bring pets on board).
7. It's compulsory (pedestrians, cross the street on the zebra).
8. It's imperative (our team, win the Cup final).
9. It's important (any schoolchild, get up early in the morning).
10. It would be pleasant (my sister, find a good job soon).
3. Rephrase the following sentences moving the infinitive clause to the end of
the sentence and inserting the pronoun IT in its place. Work in pairs.
Model:
A: To hesitate would have been fatal.
B: Yes, I know. It would have been fatal to hesitate.
1.
A: To obey the laws is everyone's duty.
B: Of course,..................................................
2. A: To save money now seems practically impossible.
B: Yes, you are right........................................
3. A: To lean out of the window is dangerous.
B: Yes, I know.................................................
4. A: To make such a mistake would appear very foolish.
B: Yes, indeed....................................................
5. A: To ask him for help now is nonsense.
B: Obviously.....................................................
4. Answer the following questions.
Model:
A: Did you really spend ten dollars to repair the window?
B: Yes, it cost me ten dollars to repair the window, (cost)
1. A: Did you really put in an hour to write my essay?
B:....................................................................
(take)
2. A: Did they really waste nine hours before they found the solution?
B:....................................................................
(take)
3. A: Did he really spend six hours to reach the top of the mountain?
B:.....................................................................
(take)
4. A: Did he really spend all his fortune to restore the statue?
B:.....................................................................
(cost)
5. A: Did you really lose two years of your life to accomplish it?
B:.....................................................................
(take)
6. A: Did Richard really spend five years of intense study to learn Japanese?
B:......................................................................
(take) '
12
7. A: Will he really spend a month's salary to repair his old car?

B:.......................................................................
(cost)
8. A: Did Tommy really put in two hours to decorate the Christmas tree?
B:....................................................................
(take)
5. Reinforce the following statements using the model. You may use various
adverbs or clauses that show agreement: yes, indeed, certainly, naturally,
expectedly, you are right, it's true; no doubt, undoubtedly, etc. Work in
pairs.
Model:
A: Only a hero can save the country.
B: Indeed, it needs a hero to save the country, (need)
!!! Remember that a FOR-TO construction is called for if the subject of the
subordinate clause is distinct from the subject of the main clause.
1. A: Only a genius could have written this poem.
B:.......................................................
(call for)
2. A: Only a woman could invent such a story.
B:.........................................................
(need)
3. A: Only a great actor like Sir Lawrence Olivier could play this part.
B:.........................................................
(call for)
4. A: Only a good mechanic could fix your engine.
B:..........................................................
(take)
5. A: Only a fast car can do so many miles per hour.
B:..........................................................
(necessitate)
6. A: Only a second Higgins could teach you English in such a short time.
B:..........................................................
(call for)
7. A: Only a Mercedes could cover this distance in such a short while.
B:..........................................................
(necessitate)
8. A: Only a very good surgeon could operate on him.
B:...........................................................
(call for)
9. A: Only a very good student could turn this text into English.
B:...........................................................
(take)
6. Read and study the explanations above. Then answer the following
questions using a TO-infinitive clause or a FOR-TO infinitive clause, to
replace the IF-clause. Work in pairs.
Model:
'Would it please you if you won this competition?
'Yes, it would please me to win this competition.'
'Would it please you if he got this job ?'
13
'Yes, it would please me for him to get this job.'

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.
time?
16.
17.
18.
A: Would it hurt his feelings if his wife were not invited?

B:...............................................................................
A: Would it hurt him if he were not invited?
B:................................................................................
A: Would it depress you if she did not find a suitable position?
B:................................................................................
A: Would it depress you if I did not find a suitable position?
B:.......................................................:.......................
A: Would it discourage you if everybody blamed you?
B:...............................................................
A: Would it discourage you if I were blamed by everyone?
B:...............................................................................
A: Would it comfort you if they thought highly of me?
B:............................................................................
A: Would it comfort you if I were thought worthy?
B:................................................................................
A: Would it scare you if they left you alone in the dark?
B:................................................................................
A: Would it scare you if you were left alone in the dark?
B:.............................................................................
A: Would it frighten her if he were left alone in a haunted house?
B:..............................................................................
A: Would it frighten you if you were living in a haunted house?
B:...........................................................................
A: Would it worry you sick if she didn't come back in time?
B:..............................................................................
A: Would it surprise you if politicians started to tell the truth?
B:..............................................................................
A: Would it disturb his holiday plans if he didn't finish his project in
B:.............................................................................
A: Would it upset him if he did not solve the problem in time?
B:..............................................................................
A: Would it sadden him if she didn't write him regular letters?
B:..............................................................................
A: Would it sadden him if he didn't get her daily phone calls any more?
B:................;................,............................................
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TEST DE EVALUARE
Which sentence is closer in meaning to the sentence underlined ?
1. It would startle her to wake up and find them around her.
a. It would scare her if he woke up and found them around her.
b. It would startle her if she woke up and found them around her.
c. It would scare her if she woke up and found them around her.
d. It would startle her if he woke up and found them around her.
2. Would it please her for her husband not to he here?
a. Would it please her if she were not here?
b. Would it please her if her husband were not here?
c. Would her husband's not being here please her?
If you have failed, read the explanations in exercise 6 and do the exercise again!
7. Rephrase and reinforce the following statements using the FOR-TO
construction:
Model:
A: Children should have a lot of fun during their holidays, (fair)
B: Certainly. It s fair for children to have a lot of fun during their holidays.
1. A: Prices should go down to prevent the collapse of the economy.
B: You are right..........................................................(necessary)
2. A: Mary should work harder if she means to succeed.
B: Obviously...............................................................(best)
3. A: Officers should wear ties at dinner.
B: Of course...............................................................(be the rule)
4. A: Political guests should be treated with due deference.
B: You are right.................................................(common)
5. A: Children should be taught to cross only on the zebra.
B: Of course..............................................................(important)
6. A: People should visit their parents at least once a week.
B: You are right..........................................................(customary)
7. A: A girl your age should not wear black.
B: Certainly...........................................................(inappropriate)
8. A: You should put up a good fight before yielding to him.
B: You are right.........................................................(natural)
9. A: Friends should always confide in each other.
B: Obviously...............................................................(expected)
10. A: You should get yourself another car as soon as possible.
B: Yes. I know......................................................(advisable)
15
!!! Notice that the FOR-TO construction is typically used with evaluative
adjectives or nouns {advisable, good, bad, right, wrong, important, essential,
lovely, vital, urgent, necessary, desirable, fair, etc., a pleasure, a paw in the
neck, etc.). Some of these will be illustrated in the next exercises. Since
normative prescriptive judgment is at stake with such adjectives, the FORTO construction is roughly equivalent to a subjunctive clause:
It is necessary for prices to go down to prevent the collapse of the economy.
It is necessary that prices should go down to prevent the collapse of the
economy.
8. Rephrase and reinforce the following statements:
Model:
One should help the poor and the needy.
It's right to help the poor and the needy, (right)
1. One should always tell the truth, (desirable)
2. One should have a family reunion at Christmas, (customary)
3. One should always have a pet. (lovely)
4. One should have one's own apartment, (reasonable)
5. One shouldn't jump to conclusions, (not wise, unwise)
6. One should never ask such intimate questions, (rude)
7. One should protect the environment in this country, (vital)
8. To solve this case, one should carefully assess the evidence, (essential)
9. One should set aside a sum each week as fun money, (fine)
10. One should show kindness to the elderly, (fit and proper)
9. Paraphrase the following THAT clause by a suitable TO or FOR-TO
construction.
Model: It would be lucky if he succeeded as he desired./
It would be lucky for him to succeed as he desired.
1. It is absolutely necessary that you should get information in time.
2. It is vital that he should reach her in time.
3. You may claim certain allowances for wear and tear of a car, which it has
been necessary that you provide at your own expense.
4. People are our most important resource and it is essential for the
achievements of those aims that we should pay the most careful attention to the
selection of staff and to their training and development.
5. It is right that we should get the bill and you may have to press them as they
are sometimes slow in getting it out.
6. It is unthinkable that our soldiers should fire upon their own people in
support of an arbitrary power.
16
7. After all, even in those days it was no uncommon thing that an earl's
daughter should marry a commoner.
8. It is imperative that the police should arrive at the scene of the crime as soon
as possible.
9. It is customary that a man should greet first when he meets a woman.
10. It is heroic that one should lay down one's life for his country.
11. It is important to him that he should have been here tonight.
12. It would be embarrassing if he found her in that condition.
13. It was a great pleasure to me that I saw you here.
14. It is impossible that there should be a war between your country and mine.
15. It must have been a great comfort to them that they were able to pray for the
dead.
16. It is upsetting that one should express such views in public.
2. TEST DE EVALUARE
Which sentence is closest in meaning to the sentence in italics?
1. It was important to him to be in London on Monday.
a. He considers it important that he was in London on Monday.
b. He considered it important that they were in London on Monday.
c. He considered it important that he should be in London on Monday.
d. He considered it important that they should be in London on Monday.
2. It is desirable to always be affectionate to one's grandparents.
a. One should always be affectionate to one's grandparents.
b. People are always affectionate to their grandparents, which is desirable.
3. It is immoral for civil servants to accept bribes.
a. Civil servants find it immoral to accept bribes.
b. It is immoral that civil servants should accept bribes.
c. It is immoral that civil servants accepted bribes.
d. Acceptance of bribes is considered immoral by the civil servants.
4. He would be happy to find her at home.
a. He was happy because he found her at home.
b. He would be happy if they found her at home.
c. He would be happy if he found her at home.
d. Finding her at home made him happy.
If you failed to find the correct solution, work back through the exercises in this
section.
3. TEST DE EVALUARE
17
1. The sentence
I begged for him to get that loan very soon. means:
a. I begged him to give me that loan very soon.
b. He implored me and he was given the loan very soon.
c. He begged that he should be given the loan very soon.
2. The sentence
Tom's father will provide for him to go to New York City. means:
a. Tom's father will get enough money to go to New York City.
b. Tom's father will get enough money enabling Tom to go to New York City.
c. Tom's father will provide for himself because he wants to go to New York
City.
10. Translate the following sentences. Use infinitive subject constructions.
1. A stirni pofte e foarte usor. Mai greu e sa le si implinesti.
2. Sosise in Bucuresti plin de incredere ca toate vor merge struna. A incasa banii
pentru grul vindut si livrat, a aranja cu Dumescu afacerile banesti erau treburi
ce se puteau lichida in doua ore.
3. E pacat sa vindem, dumneata esti tnar si nu stii ce greu e sa pui la loc
lucrurile de care te desparti.
4. Se infatisa o situatie exceptionala, cu primejdii exceptionale si iminente. A le
pastra pentru dnsul si a le ascunde ar fi fost cu neputinta.
5. Eu imi fac datoria sa te avertizez, draga mea, ca nu e prudent sa plece acuma
la tara.
6. A merge pe urmele lui incai si a incerca sa-i pui n lumina destinul inseamna
a cuprinde o epoca istorica si o epoca de cultura.
7. A voi sa intemeiezi dezvoltarea statului pe alte baze dect cele ce le poseda
din fire este a pune in dezordine, in revolutic ntregul coip national, a-i paraliza
si a-i rataci puterile.
8. Era greu a se inchipui ca un om ca el ar fi putut fi clintit din loc.
9. Imi face bine sa ma gindesc la cele mai reconfortante afirmatii ale acelui
serial.
10. A scrie romanul complex al unei societati integrale, divizate prin stnictura si
interese fara a fi pe nesimtite cuprins de vreun spirit partizan este o virtute
remarcabila.
11. Ideea de a transmite altora gndurile sale il stapini un timp.
12. - Natura nu are peste tot, zise el, echivalenta unei opere de arta si nu produce
efecte emotionale. E necesar a gasi punctele ei sublime.
13. - E important sa gasim o institute de stat care sa vrea sa participe la licitatie.
14. -Nu gasesti ca e neaparat nevoie sa-mi fac o cariera serioasa, de preferat in
diplomatic, postul actual fiind un expedient efemer ?
18
15. A trai nu e absolut necesar, a construi e necesar.

16. - A nu crede in miracol, decise erica ca intr-un ,,panseu", este a nu admite
surpriza in viata de toate zilele.
Tema nr.3
INFINITIVE OBJECT CLAUSES
Uniti de nvare :
Triggering verbs
Infinitive clauses, That clauses and gerund clauses
Position of auxiliary adverbs in the infinitive clause
Active and passive forms
Obiectivele temei:
Explicarea si interpretarea contextelor in care apar constructiile cu

infinitiv;
Clasificarea si analizarea propozitiilor infinitive;
dezbaterea particularitilor ce tin de pozitia auxiliarului in raport cu
adverbul in propozitia infinitivala;
analizarea diferentelor care apar la formele active si pasive;
Timpul alocat temei : 2 ore
Polirom, 2001.
19

Timisoara, 1995.
INFINITIVE OBJECT CLAUSES
The infinitive clause may be the object of a large number of simple transitive
verbs.
Verbs: abide, affect, afford, arrange, ask, attempt, begin, cease, choose, claim,
condescend, continue, decline, deign, deserve, desire, dislike, endeavour, fail,
forget, hate, intend, learn, like, manage, mean, need, omit, plan, prefer, protest,
propose, refuse, regret, remember, scorn, start, suggest, threaten, try, venture,
want, wish.
The (understood) subject of the infinitive is the same as the main clause subject.
With most verbs the infinitive alternates with a simple direct object. Some of
these verbs accept only an infinitive as a clausal object {attempt, try, fail,
manage, condescend); others accept, in addition, to infinitives, object THAT
clauses {remember, regret, expect, claim, hope, threaten, etc.) or gerund objects
(begin, start, continue, etc.):
a. I tried to understand, but failed to do so.
b. They threatened to evict the tenants.
b'. They threatened that they would evict the tenants.
c. It started to rain.
c'. It started raining.
20
The reader may have noticed that infinitive clause usually refers to some future
potential action. The event described in the infinitive clause is future or generic
with respect to the one described by the main clause. For example:
I wanted to see her. => to see her is future with respect to I wanted.
If one wishes to express the fact that the event of the infinitive clause precedes
that of the main clause, the perfect infinitive is used:
I regret not to have gone to the theatre. I regret that I didn't go to the theatre.
1. Complete the following sentences choosing the appropriate verb:
buy, find, help, hide, invite, lock, repair, sing, tell, write,
1. Bob wants....................an English song.
2. I intend.........................a letter this evening.
3. We hope.......................tickets for the concert.
4. They meant..................the truth from us.
5. You failed....................the old lady.
6. Mother forgot..............father about the guests.
7. They managed.............the car.
8. Remember....................the door when you leave.
9. I can't afford...............this expensive car.
10. She hated.....................at his birthday party.
2. Replace the nominal direct object by an infinitive clause having, roughly,
the same meaning and containing a verbal phrase related to the nominal
object. The infinitive may be active or passive.
Model:
I started the work at five. / I started to work at five.
1. He continued his letter.
2. He ceased his visits to her after a while.
21
3. He claimed possession of the car.

4. She attempted an escape from the press.
5. He arranged an early retirement.
6. She ventured a guess.
7. He threatened suicide.
8. He demanded help.
9. He deserves respect.
10. He professed his innocence.
11. He proposed a visit to the British Museum.
12. He planned an evening at the opera.
13. He affected illness, to cut school that day.
14. He chose a walk in the woods.
15. He wanted a close shave.
3. Comment on the following sentences; express agreement or disagreement.
Notice that the verb given in brackets is one that can be followed by an
infinitive.
Model:
A: He didn't hear her. (merely pretend)
B: No, he merely pretended not to hear her.
A: He'll see her over a cup of coffee, (always prefer)
B: Yes, he always prefers to see her over a cup of coffee.
1. She didn't like him. (merely affect)
2. He had lured a millionaire's daughter into marrying him. (manage)
3. He explained to the child what to do. (endeavour)
4. The President didn't make any comment, (decline)
5. The guest performer won't come, (refuse)
6. The government will stop this process, (strive)
7. She didn't get promotion, (not try)
22
8. The librarian will do some extra work at the office, (plan)

9. The little boy patted the furious dog. (venture)
10. She no longer visits her friends, (not condescend)
11. She got herself a new car. (manage)
12. The politician no longer visits his parents, (not deign)
13. She cannot buy herself this expensive fur-coat, (not afford)
14. They will write a letter to their local congressman to get support, (intend)
15. She didn't recognize him in that disguise, (fail)
4. Replace the italicized object clauses by suitable infinitive clauses. Use the
perfect infinitive to express anteriority with respect to the time of the main
clause.
1. In fact she expected that she had failed the test.
2. The killer threatened that he would strike again.
3. John claims that he used to have a car.
4. Because of the disease he forgot that he had paid the bill.
5. Mary claims that she is still learning French.
6. He hopes that he will win the lottery one day.
7. They will always remember that they visited London.
8. He professed that he had spent two years at Oxford.
9. She claims that she has been in love with him for many years.
10. Robert expects that they will welcome him on his return back home.
23
Tema nr.4
INFINITIVE after PREPOSITIONAL VERBS AND ADJECTIVES
(OBLIQUE OBJECT)
Uniti de nvare :
Infinitive after prepositional verbs and adjectives
The infinitive as oblique object of transitive verbs
Passivization
Adjectives that allow two alternative infinitive constructions
Obiectivele temei:
nelegerea conceptelor teoretice i formarea perspectivei asupra folosirii

infinitivului in limba engleza si romana dupa verbele cu prepozitie si
adjective;
pasiva;
cunoasterea si utilizarea adecvata a infinitivului dupa anumite verbe cu
prepozitie si adjective;
24
Polirom, 2001.
Timisoara, 1995.
INFINITIVE after PREPOSITIONAL VERBS AND ADJECTIVES
(OBLIQUE OBJECT)
The infinitive may also start out as an oblique object of prepositional verbs or
adjectives. The infinitive clause may be replaced by a prepositional object.
When the infinitive is subjectless, the main clause subject is also understood as
the subject of the infinitive. Some of these verbs and adjectives also allow a
FOR-TO infinitive construction.
Verbs: apply (for), bother (about), care (for), consent (to), egg (on), insist (on),
long (for), persit (in), plead (for), pray (for), proceed (with), rejoice (at), shudder
(at), strive (for)
Adjectives: able, angry, anxious, afraid, careful, certain, concerned, content,
disinclined, disposed, eager, fit, glad, important, inclined, pleased, prepared,
prone, proud, relieved, ready, solicitous, sorry, unable, welcome, willing
1. Replace the following infinitive clauses by a pronominal object, supplying
the appropriate preposition, as shown in the model. Translate the sentences
into Romanian.
Model:
She consented to go. She consented to it.
25
1. I decided for Mr. Smith to represent our company.

2. I was surprised to find myself fired.
3. He would be pleased for you to ride over his lands at any time
4. Their coach was eager for them to succeed.
5. The organization could not wait for another nation to be overrun.
6. They were anxious not to seem to patronize her.
7. She had never been able to dream of affording a car.
8. We must be careful to see that the stone is tilting from the inside of the car
outwards.
9. He was glad to undertake the child's education.
10. Sorry to be such a bore.
11. I'm curious to see how Muriel will carry it off.
12. Hillary was unable to refuse his aid to anyone that held out a hand for it.
13. I was inclined to attribute a spiritual worth to this man.
14. Lord Emesworth was relieved to find that the intruder was at least one of his
own sex.
15. A man should be proud to honour this name.
16. Don't bother to see us to the station.
2. Translate into English:
1. Si eu eram curios sa aflu cum a fost el dus de nas de catre general, in afara
faptului ca eram nerabdator sa-1 rog sa-mi aprobe sa lucrez de pilda la vreo
biblioteca.
2. Oricum nu eram in stare sa accept o ascmenea slujba, chit ca as fi murit de
foame. M-am simtit usurat cind mi-a oferit altceva.
3. La noi scriitorul actual netalentat este incurajat sa desfiinteze critica, sa se
plinga de ea, sa ceara audiente, sa fie ascultat cu bunavointa si sa obtina chiar sa
se ia masuri represive impotriva criticului care il respinge.
4. Surideam, curios sa aud ce-o sa-mi spuna maine...
26
5. Ma uitai la el cu coada ochiului, sa vad daca mai era acelasi, capabil sa

sesizeze din zbor o ironie si s-o amplifice. Curind am fost surprins sa descopar
ca nu prea mai avea haz. Daca si ceilalti suferisera aceeasi transformare eram
sigur ca aveam sa ma plictisesc.
6. Nu ideile lui Petrica ma pasionau, ci iritarea lui, care le colora intr-un mod
particular.
Eram curios sa vad spre ce zone se va extinde, cu adevarat curios, ca si cind as fi
citit pe viu un roman-foileton si asteptam a doua zi, nerabdator, urmarea.
7. Dar el nu parca dispus sa se gindeasca. Poate era cu adevarat vinovat. Statea
nemiscat in picioare, cu ceva dur pe chip, hotarit sa nu-si ceara iertare.
(Marin Preda, Cel mai iubit dintre pamanteni)
The infinitive may also function as an oblique object of transitive verbs. The
verb takes a nominal (usually personal) direct object followed by an infinitive
clause. The direct object is understood as the subject of the infinitive in addition
to being the direct object of the verb. The infinitive clause may (sometimes) be
replaced by a prepositional phrase: e.g., I persuaded him logo. /I persuaded him
of it.
Verbs: admonish, advise, assist, authorize, bind, bribe, caution, challenge,
compel, commission, condemn, condition, conjure, convince, dare, decide,
deign, direct, dispose, drive, egg on, empower, encourage, engage, entitle,
entreat, exit, exhort, force, give, goad, help, impel, incite, induce, influence,
inspire, instigate, instruct, invite, lead, leave, license, lure, move, obligate,
oblige, persuade, petition, predispose, prepare, press, provoke, prompt, reduce,
require, stimulate, summon, tempt, trouble, trust, urge, warn
3. Answer the following questions using the prompts given in brackets, as
suggested in the model. Work in pairs. Speaker B may supply the full infinitive
27
construction or he may use a substitute of the infinitive verb: to do so or to do

it. Before solving the exercise, read the explanation above:
Model:
A: 'Why did he go to the club on that evening?' (Mary, persuade)
B: 'Because Mary had persuaded him to go to the club on that evening.'
B': 'Because Mary had persuaded him to do so.'
B': 'Because Mary had persuaded him to do it.'
1. Why did he disclose that the job was poorly paid? (honesty, compel)
2. Why did the guard allow the prisoner to escape? (the prisoner's friends, bribe)
3. Why did he sell his land? (poverty, drive)
4. How could he write such wonderful poems? (his love for her, inspire)
5. Why did Elizabeth agree to cut off Mary's head? (her ministers, convince)
6. Why did he discontinue his experiments? (the results obtained by another
psychologist, prompt)
7. Why do they behave rudely in public places? (the violence they see on TV,
stimulate)
8. Why did she give up her engagement? (her father, force)
9. Why did he start on his second voyage? (the experience of his first voyage,
prompt)
10. Why did he accept the second job? (his ambition, egg on)
11. Why did she slam the door on us? (her anger, drive)
12. Why did he hesitate? (pure cowardice, lead)
13. Why did he complete his formal education? (his teacher, press)
14. Why did she accept this ill-suited husband? (her mother, induce)
15. Why did she lie to him? (his behaviour, oblige)
16. Why did he accept a second term of office? (the people's suffering, move)
4. a. Expand sentences A, as shown in B, following the model,
28
b. Passivize sentences B as shown in B'.

Model:
A: They should be impartial in their dealings, (the law, require)
B: The law requires them to be impartial in their dealings.
B'; They are required by the law to be impartial in their dealings.
1. You should do it by tomorrow, (he, remind)
2. You should work harder, (the teacher, encourage)
3. You could stay for a bread and cheese lunch. (Fred, invite)
4. You will meet your liaison tomorrow, (the officer, instruct)
5. You shouldn't walk out after dark, (they, warn)
6. Civil servants should resist temptation, (the minister, exhort)
7. He won't betray a guest, (you, can trust)
8. He should report here at once, (the commander, summon)
9. Houdini himself should put them to the test, (the youngsters, challenge)
10. You shouldn't drive too fast in this fog. (my friend, caution)
11. Mister President, you should, by all means, reconsider your position, (the
congressmen, implore)
12. 'Jump from the bridge into the river.' (they, dare)
13. Ministers must not be members of the ruling party, (the law, require)
14. The government should change the immigration law. (they, petition)
15. They should elect a standing committee, (the statute, oblige)
16. The President can expel or jail unwelcome foreigners at his discretion, (these
acts, empower)
17. He will receive regular notice of field activities, (the new regulations of the
association, entitle)
18. He can nominate his successor himself, (they, authorize)
19. Michelangelo will paint the Sistine Chapel, (the Pope, commission)
20. This shop cannot sell tobacco, (the authorities, license)
29
4. TEST DE EVALUARE !
Choose the correct form:
1. The Pope
a. commissioned
b. was commissioned by
Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel.
2. The authorities did not license this shop
a. to sell tobacco.
b. to have sold tobacco.
c. that it should sell tobacco.
d. that it sold tobacco.
3. He
a. authorized
to nominate his successor himself.
b. was authorized
5. Answer the questions following the model; turn the IF- clause into an
infinitive construction.
Model:
A: How would you feel if you were entertained by this famous movie star?
(delight) B: I would be delighted to be entertained by this famous movie star.
1. How would you feel if you won the New Year's Eve lottery? (elate)
2. How would you feel if you were elected chairman of the company? (gratify)
3. How would you feel if you had your car stolen? (enrage)
4. How would you feel if you caught him red-handed? (embarrass)
5. How would you feel if you were betrayed by your best friend? (discourage)
6. How would you feel if you lost your entire fortune at cards? (depress)
7. How would you feel if you were a famous lawyer? (bore)
8. How would you feel if you were living with your mother-in-law? (annoy)
30
9. How would you feel if you had to give her this terrible news? (pain)
10. How would you feel if you had to face the future on your own? (scare)
11. How would you feel if you were told the truth? (relieve)
6. Make a dialogue according to the model, using the following cue sentence:
Model:
I saw her blush, (embarrass)
A: It embarrassed me to see her blush.
B: What did you say?
A: I said I was embarrassed to see her blush.
1. I saw the cat play with the kittens, (amuse)
2. She talked to her old friends the whole afternoon, (please)
3. He had to walk across that forest at midnight, (upset)
4. He was finally accepted by that group, (delight)
5. He didn't win any distinction at this competition, (depress)
6. He found his car missing, (enrage)
7. He heard her practise her scales again and again, (irritate)
8. She found another bouquet waiting on her desk, (cheer)
9. He didn't find the little girl in the nursery, (alarm)
10. He heard his father's voice answering the phone, (reassure)
11. My neighbour found his window broken, (anger)
12. My teacher saw me cheating on the test paper, (disappoint)
7. Reinforce the following statements, constructing dialogues according to the
model below.
Model:
A: It was unkind of him to do that, I think.
B: Yes, indeed, he was unkind to do that.
1.
A: It was rash of you to move in so quickly.

31
B: Of course........................................................
2.
A: It is generous of John to share the cost.
B: Yes, I know,.....................................................
3. A: It was sweet of them to accept our invitation.
B: Sure,................................................................
4.
A: It is considerate of you to offer to help.
B: Yes, I see.........................................................
5.
A: It was cruel of him to shoot the doves, I think.
B: Obviously,.........................................................
6.
A: It was ungenerous of Mary to offend her aunt, I suppose.
B: Yes, you are right..............................................

7.
A: It was confusing of Peter to mix up the explanations.
B: Yes, indeed,......................................................
8.
A: It was naughty of Tommy to pull the cat's tail.
B: Certainly,...........................................................
9.
A: It was impolite of them to walk out in the middle of the conference.
B: No doubt............................................................
10.
A: It would be silly of him to buy such an expensive apartment, I guess.
B: Obviously,.......................................................
8. Respond to the following statements, expressing your surprise. Work in
pairs.
Model:
A: They didn't accept our invitation, (silly)
B: How silly of them not to accept our invitation!
1. A: They put their money in a savings bank right after the revolution.
B:...................................................................... (wise)
2. A: Bill called him a moron.
B:.....................................................................
(rude)
32
3. A: The minister met his counterpart at the airport.

B:.....................................................................
(civil)
4. A: Your deskmate said those things about you behind your back.
B:................................................................
(wicked)
5. A: He stood up for their rights.

B:.........................................................
(courageous)
6. A: Bill quit this job.

B:...................................................................
(right)
7. A: They accused him of embezzlement.

B:................................................................
(wrong)
8. A: Richard brought Joan these flowers.

B:....................................................................
(nice)
9. A: Tom did not answer her question.

B:................................................................. (clever)
10. A: Liza took care of the old couple.
B:.......................................................
(considerate)
!!! Observation
Notice that there are adjectives which may qualify both a person and an action:
bold, hard, generous, considerate, sweet, decent, unkind, impolite, rude, silly,
unwise, wicked, wrong, etc.
He is wise. / Doing it was wise.
Such adjectives allow two alternative infinitive constructions:
It is ADJECTIVE OF somebody TO do something: It is wise of him to cooperate with this company.
Somebody is ADJECTIVE TO do something: He is wise to co-operate with this
company.
33
Notice that the OF-constructions can be transformed into an exclamation: How

wise (it is) of him to co-operate with this company! / How nice of you to have
invited me!
5. TEST DE EVALUARE
Choose the correct form.
1. I would be relieved
a. that you told me the truth.
b. I was told the truth.
c. to be told the truth.
d. for me to be told the truth.
2. It was silly of you
a. to buy such an expensive painting.
b. that you should buy such an expensive painting.
c. if you bought such an expensive painting.
3. How clever
a. to
Tom to answer her questions!
b. for
c. of
d. about
34
Tema nr.5
THE FOR-TO CONSTRUCTION AS OBJECT
Uniti de nvare :
FOR-TO Constructions
Triggering contexts
Exercitive verbs
Obiectivele temei:
explicarea i interpretarea coninuturilor teoretice ale structurilor FOR-TO
n contexte bine definite;
pasiva;
dezbaterea particularitilor ce tin de forma verbelor la diateza pasiva;
analizarea diferitelor contexte si verbe care cer folosirea infitivului;
formarea unei perspective contrastive asupra folosirii constructiilor
infinitivale de tipul FOR-TO in romana si engleza;
Bibliografie recomandat:
35

Polirom, 2001.
Timisoara, 1995.
THE FOR-TO CONSTRUCTION AS OBJECT
I. Join the following sentences according to the model. Notice that these
verbs accept both the FOR-TO construction and a FOR- prepositional
object, or a prepositional object introduced by a different preposition: TO,
ABOUT, AT.
Model:
A lorry will take you at five o'clock. I've already arranged for it.
I've already arranged for a lorry to take you at five o'clock,
1. The train was to come. He was waiting for it.
2. She will return. He is longing for it.
3. This noise is bound to stop. He is listening for it.
4. She will marry that Norwegian at last. Her parents consented to it.
5. They must be forgiven. Their mother prayed for it.
6. This man had to get that loan. I begged for it.
7. He ought to get a day off. I will ask for it.
8. He ought to stop singing. I must call for it.
9. He cannot win the competition. I would be surprised at it.
10. This plane was taking off in five minutes. The control tower was signaling
for it.
11. You will visit the Tate Gallery. I would be happy about it.
36
12. He ought to be our chairman. We will vote for it.

13. She ought to get a salary rise. Her mother really hopes for it.
14. She ought to be here tomorrow. They telegraphed for it.
15. He ought to be released on bail. We will plead for it.
16. They will go on a trip to Italy. Their parents are planning for it.
17. He will go to the Met twice next week. His father will provide for it.
18. You and my sister will get acquainted. I'm anxious about it.
19. The stove should be lit in the early morning. He has emphatically asked for
it.
20. The murderer was to come to this place. Holmes was watching for it.
2. Study the sentences below and draw up a list of verbs that accept the FORTO construction as an object. Replace the FOR-TO clause by a pronoun. Pay
attention that in certain cases the main verb is prepositional, while in others it
is transitive.
Model:
He waited for Marlow to continue. He waited for it.
I'd love for you to become a pop star, I'd love it.
1. I'd hate for you to miss this opportunity,
2. He listened for her to continue to anticipate his thinking.
3. He waited for this darkness to be shattered by the light of the second coming.
4. Watch for Madam Cassin to leave.
5. He signalled for the door to open.
6. Lowell wanted very much for me to believe him.
7. I would prefer for him to be more practical.
8. Miss Broddie telephoned for Sandy to come to see her early in September.
9. The Virginia plan called for a national executive to be named by electors
chosen by the Congress.
10. Now he prayed for his luck to hold.
37
11. Emily's parents had begged for a trial period to elapse.

12. I expect for you to be there at three.
13. He asked for the warden to send him to the infirmary.
14. I would wish for his concert to be a triumph.
15. We want very much for him to get out of there alive and well.
3. Rephrase the following sentences according to the model. Before solving
the exercise, read the explanations below:
There are verbs that accept a normally personal indirect object (preposition-less
or preceded by TO) and a direct object expressed by an infinitive clause:
We ordered to him to shoot on sight.
We ordered him to shoot on sight, (strongly preferred).
The prepositionless indirect object may be passivized:
He was ordered to shoot on sight.
This verb group includes:
a.
exercitive verbs of command and permission: allow, authorize,
bid,
command, forbid, grant, order, give orders, permit, propose, recommend, suffer
( allow) suggest, trust, etc.;
b. verbs of linguistic communication, which acquire exercitive meaning:
answer, cable, communicate, insinuate, radio, repeat, report, tell, transmit,
write, wire, etc.
Note: An exercitive verb is one that prescribes a future course of action.
Model:
Close the door! This is an order. I ordered him to close the door.
1. Take that call, sergeant! This is an order.
2. Drop your gun now, soldier! This is an order.
3. Answer my questions, prisoner. That's my suggestion.
38
4. Drink more tea, Mrs. Bloomfield! This is my recommendation.

5. Type those letters this very evening, Mary! That's my suggestion.
4. Turn the following sentences into the passive voice.
Model:
They allowed me to apply for a new visa. I was allowed to apply for a new visa.
1. The authorities will forbid the firm to import goods for general sale, food,
beverages and tobacco.
2. They permitted passengers to remain within the territory of this country
without requiring them to obtain visas prior to their arrival.
3. They recommend all international airports to equip the parking spaces with
necessary means for rapid performance of all aircraft servicing operations.
4. They will order the pilot-in-command to apply to more than one government
agency for take-off permission.
5. The public authorities have ordered passengers and crew not to leave the
aircraft during the stopover.
5. Answer the following questions using the prompts in brackets; then turn
the answers into the passive voice. Work in pairs.
Model:
A: What did the principal tell the English teacher?
B: The principal told the English teacher to give the students a difficult
translation, (give the students a difficult translation)
A: So, the English teacher was told (by the principal) to give the students a
difficult
translation.
1.
A: What did mother allow Muriel?
B:............................................
(go out this evening)
A:............................................
39
2. A: What did father forbid you?

B:.......................................... (speak to him in such a manner)
A:............................................
3.
A: What did the manager order Brian?
B:.........................................
(report to the office at nine o'clock)
A:............................................
4. A: What did the Prosecutor's Office cable them?
B:.....................
(search the house immediately)
A:..................................................
5.
A: What did they wire the captain of the crew?
B:..........................
(land at the nearest airport)
A:............................................
6.
A: What did the boss radio the soldiers?
B:..............................
(surround the area at once)
A:...................................................
7. A: What did they authorize you to do?
B:...........................
(issue entrance visas for all visitors arriving
today)
A:..................................................
8.
A: What did the captain of the aircraft recommend the passengers to do?
B:..........................
(fasten their seat belts and refrain from smoking)
A:..................................................
9.
A: What did they permit us?
B:............................
(leave the airport by bus)
A:.................................................
10.
A: What did the commander grant the lieutenant?
B:............................
(send the soldiers to the barracks)
A:..................................................
11.
A: What did the Immigration Office tell you?

40
B:............................
(enable the visitor to regularize his position)
A:..................................................
12.
A: What did the ambassador advise his staff?
B:..........................
(accept only legible handwritten scripts)
A:....:.............................................
13.
A: What orders have they given you?
B:................................
(open the unclaimed baggage so as to ascertain
its owner)
A:..................................................
14.
A: What will he write you?
B:.........................
(not require consular formalities or consular
charges or fee)
A:..................................................
6. Transform the imperatives according to the model; work in pairs. Pay
attention to the preposition which introduces the indirect object.
As known, in indirect speech, imperatives are reported as infinitives. The
implicit second person subject of the imperative is turned into an indirect (or
prepositional) object of the main verb.
"Sit down, Mary!", she said. She told Mary to sit down.
"Tom, come in at once!", father shouted. Father shouted at Tom to come in at
once.
Model:
A: 'Drop that cigar, Mary!' he called.
B: He called to Mary to drop that cigar.
1. 'Call the doctor, Linda!', Nick shouted.
2. 'Be patient with this dog, my friend!', he cried.
3. 'Wake up, Tom!', his father yelled.
41
4. 'Take the car back, Dick!', I called.

5. 'Get out of the way and get under cover, all of you!', she shouted.
7. Expand the following statements according to the model.
Model:
Our people will not die unnecessarily (we, allow)
We won't allow our people to die unnecessarily.
1. I will do that. (I, allow)
2. He believed her in spite of himself, (he, let)
3. He played with the sword for a moment, (he, permit)
4. His hand fell to the scat between them, (he, let)
5. She sank into a chair, (she, permit)
6. This type of remark won't pass in my presence. (I, can't permit)
7. She sagged against the door for an instant, relieved, (she, allow)
8. He proposed to her that same evening, (she, let)
8. Passivize the infinitive clause. When the subject of the passive infinitive is
identical with the main clause subject, it will be expressed by a corresponding
reflexive pronoun.
Model:
Mary allowed the surgeon to examine her.
Mary allowed herself to be examined by the surgeon.
1. Employers allowed the policy to influence pricing decisions.
2. I don't allow any kind of music to seduce me away from my work.
3. This allowed them to make more bread for the troops.
4. This enables the Council to assess the progress of the works.
5. Winthorp permitted the petitioners to read the charter in front of the mayor.
6. How can the many permit the few to exploit them?
7. He allowed the crutches to help him up.
42
8. We let those rewards tempt us in the end.

9. We allowed their suffering to move us.
10. This new legislation will enable them to start new building projects.
9. Translate into English. Use the infinitive to translate object clauses.
A.
1. Am aflat c Leon n-a ndrznit s vin i v-a scris o scrisoare.
2. Vreau s zic c de mult vreme visam la scena asta, de mult visam s m
ntorc aici, s triesc n pmntul nostru, s rsuflu din plin i s m arz soarele.
3. Omul fericit nu tie ct de repede fuge timpul.
4. Hotri s nu mai mrturisesc nimnui c am hoinrit printre stele i c, vzut
de acolo de sus, cerul era negru ca pcura.
5. Am nvat s nu-mi fac griji zadarnice, s nu dau crezare celor spuse de
neltori sau de vrjitori.
6. Uriaii, dup ce au ajutat cndva pe Ft-Frumos s omoare pe balauri i pe
zmei, nu mai au ce face alta dect s treac n ntunericul venic.
7. coala trebuie s te nvee a fi propriul tu dascl, cel mai bun i cel mai
aspru.
8. Cnd Bubi i-a vorbit pentru prima oar de planurile sale, a ncercat mai nti s
se apere, apoi s-a hotrt s-i jertfeasc o parte din averea mamei pentru a-i
dobndi linitea.
9. Obinuia s ad i s asculte cntecul i s priveasc fierberea apelor.
10. - Trebuie s-i mrturisesc c nu prea tiu cum s ncep, dei tiu foarte
precis ce-i voi spune. Spune-mi, i-a venit greu s schimbi astfel referatul la
sugestiile lui Dinoiu i s afirmi asemenea absurditi ? Lui Paul i venise
deosebit de greu s-o fac. ns acum, cu cea mai deplin bun credin, reui s
afirme: Nu, am considerat totul a fi absolut firesc".
43
11. Regele dac voia s-i ntreasc cetile, s-i nzestreze armata cu arcuri mai
bune, era hotrt s o deprind cu tactica de lupt roman, adic s-i creeze
condiii mai bune pentru a relua lupta mpotriva Imperiului Roman.
12. Snt hotrt s m susin singur.
13. O jumtate de or mai trziu vasul era n portul comercial, gata s primeasc
vizita feluritelor autoriti.
14. Pn i cei mai nenorocii dintre oameni se simt n stare s uite povara vieii
lor nefericite, sunt fericii s-i ndrepte spinarea, s trag aer n piept i s spere.
15. n aceast situaie, Horea se gndea s ia iar drumul Vicnei, s dea
mpratului lmuriri i s ndrume totul spre o soluie oficial.
16. n memoriul su ctre rege, ambasadorul francez la Constantinopol l
ndemna pe suveran s ia parte activ la desfurarea crizei orientale.
17. Nu m gndesc de fel s m izolez de restul oamenilor, de durerile i de
speranele lor.
18. Invaii colii Ardelene erau silii s cutreiere singuri inuturi i vi cu
desaga n spate, erau silii s treac ape i muni i s-i duc volumele transcrise
tot de ei de la Viena, de la Buda, de la Bucureti.
19. Scatiu, fiind mai incult, mai bogat i mai flos, nu se sfia a se declara cnd
liberal, cnd conservator.
20. De atunci i pn astzi nimeni nu s-a mai ncumentat a destupa pivniele
acelea i a scoate comorile aflate ntr-nsele.
21. Mi-ar fi fcut mult plcere s cunosc i cu operele prietenului nostru.
22. - Nu e voie s scoi capul pe fereastr, mititelule! zice unul dintre tineri lui
D. Goe i-l trage puin napoi.
23. Gsi c e mai nimerit s adopte un vechi obicei al familiei sale.
24. Dar, orict se strduir s-i descopere vreo boal prezent sau viitoare,
declarar, totui, c inginerul era pe deplin sntos.
25. i cerc s coboare ntre rani, i cere s intre n casele lor, s le cunoasc
traiul, s se mprieteneasc cu copiii lor, s-i nvee s citeasc i s le dea cri.
44
26. Ar fi vrut s-1 poat vedea pe George, ar fi fost mulumit s-l aud, s-i
urmreasc trsturile feei i, cnd privirile li se vor ntlni, s zmbeasc
fericite.
27. Dar ceea ce voim s zicem este c, precum tragedia prin chiar natura ei a
fost silit s-i ia mai ales regii i eroii drept personaje principale, tot aa
romanul este i va fi din ce n ce silit s-i caute elementul su propriu n tipurile
unei anumite clase sociale.
28. Un ran i ngdui chiar s-1 ntrebe despre asta cu gravitate.
29. Am s-1 rog pe domnul procuror s-i dea drumul imediat i s-1 cerceteze n
libertate.
30. Ii puse lui Pavel diferite ntrebri, l comptimi i porunci primarului s fac
ndat o anchet oficial, s nregistreze plngerea omului i justele lui pretenii.
31. Dar vrem noi cu adevrat s credem n Dumnezeu? Nu vrem cumva pur i
simplu s tim, adic s deinem o certitudine? Aa s-ar zice, de vreme ce vrem
s ne rezolvm frustrarea punnd ntrebri, ateptnd, aadar, rspunsuri
edificatoare.
B.
1. Cnd unui client i convenea haina, nu pregeta s-o scoat de pe el i s-o ofere.
2. Sper s mai fiu ambasador. mi pstrez mnuile pentru atunci.
3. - ntr-adevr, recunoscu femeia. Ce ciudat! nu m-ateptam s ne rentlnim
aici.
4. Remus Gavrilcea i ngdui a o invita pe Caty la o cavalcad, aceasta
consimi
n principiu i ddu maiorului numrul su de telefon.
5. - i v simii bine?
- Nu pot s zic c da. Am visat i eu s am un cmin, o soie dulce, ns nu mam nvrednicit s-o fac.
6. Peste o sptmn, Meme fu n msur s afle n ce chip nelegea Gavrilcea
45
s se ocupe de zestrea ei.

7. In fine, fie ce-o fi, m-am hotrt s m mrit cu acest condotliere.
8. Te consiliez s examinezi chestiunea cu calm i s ncerci a te ridica deasupra
prejudecilor superficiale.
9. Te rog s nu uii s mergi la generalul P., cernd audien la nevoie prin
intermediul prinesei Serica Bleanul la care vine n vizit.
Tema nr. 6
THE IMPLICIT INFINITIVE
Uniti de nvare :
Implicit infinitive
Deletion rules
Tough movement
Adjectives and nouns that allow tough movement
Obiectivele temei:

infinitivului implicit in limba engleza si romana;
cunoaterea regulilor de inlocuire a constructiei ce contine infinitivul;
cunoasterea si intelegerea notiunii de tough movement;
valorificarea optima a notiunilor teoretice insusite prin aplicarea lor in
exercitii de traducere si retroversiune;
46

Polirom, 2001.
Timisoara, 1995.
THE IMPLICIT INFINITIVE

In spoken English, it is possible to delete an infinitive on condition that it is
identical to a verb that has previously appeared. The deleted infinitive leaves
behind the particle TO. This construction is known as the "implicit infinitive".
1. In the following pairs of sentences an infinitive used in the first sentence is
repeated in the second. Read the sentences omitting what comes after TO.
Work in pairs.
Model: 'Did you tell your grandfather about it?'
I meant to (tell him), but I was too frightened.
1. 'Why don't you bring her here?'
'I do want to bring her here, but she doesn't behave herself.'
2. 'They should visit the pyramids when they arc in Cairo.'
'They intend to visit them, but they won't have enough time.'
3. 'He used to drink tea with milk. How about you?'
'I used to drink tea, but now I drink only coffee.'
4. 'Did you get a chance to drive his Mercedes yourself?'
'No, I wanted to drive it, but he wouldn't let me.'
47
5. 'Why doesn't she punish her kids when they disobey her?'
'She often threatens to punish them, but she'll never actually do it.'
6. 'Did the secretary book seats for the new play?'
'No, she really tried to book seats, but it was impossible.'
7. 'Does he drink?'
'No, he used to drink, but he doesn't now.'
8. 'Have you opened the bottle?'
'No, I haven't opened it yet, but I'm going to open it.'
9. 'Why didn't they buy the house?'
'They wanted to buy the house, but it was too expensive.'
10. 'Why didn't the doctors give him a blood transfusion?'
'They wanted to give him a blood transfusion, but his wife didn't agree.'
11. 'Did they really dig for oil there?'
'They wanted to dig for oil there, but he wouldn't let them.'
12. 'Did his best man buy a burglar alarm for a wedding present?'
'He intended to buy a burglar alarm, but Dorothy didn't agree.'
13. 'Did she eat fried chicken with potatoes with parsley?'
'She meant to eat that, but the waiter said they had no more of it.'
14. 'Did grandmother sprinkle the apple pie with vanilla icing sugar?'
'She was about to sprinkle it, but she remembered daddy wanted no sugar on it.'
15. 'Did you say good-bye to the elderly couple?'
'I really meant to say good-bye to them, but I was too busy packing up.'
16. 'Would you like to fry the sausages?'
'I'd like to fry the sausages, but I'm very much afraid I'll burn them.'
2. Respond to the following questions or statements. Give reasons for not
performing the intended action. Use the verbs in brackets. Work in pairs.
Model:
A: 'You may play the piano if you want to.'
48
B: I don't wish to, because I'm very tired.' (not wish, tired)
1.
A: You didn't bring any beer from the pub.
B:................................................................. (want, be too expensive)

2.
A: Tell Bob to bring the photos again.
B:.................................................................. (he not be able, be very busy)

3.
A: Why can't they come with us to see the British Museum?
B:................................................................. (mean, not have time)

4.
A: Will he show me how to open this box?
B:................................................................. (be glad, do his homework)

5.
A: Chris has painted his car blue.
B:................................................................. (have the right, be his)

6.
A: Can't we stop for a large whisky?
B:................................................................(love, be no time for it)

7.
A: Why didn't Joan dance with John?
B:...............................................................
8.
(be happy, not to be asked)
A: You must say 'sir' when you want to speak to me.
B:................................................................ (refuse, not like you)

9.
A: Why didn't he buy a new cardigan?
B:................................................................(intend, be little money left)

10.
A: Why didn't he clink his glass against yours?
B:................................................................. (going to, have the guts)

11.
A: Why did she put so much garlic on this steak?
B:................................................................. (warn, you not like)

12.
A: Go out and see if they are already in the cellar.
B:............................................................
(be afraid, be too dark)
3. Work in pairs according to the model. The verb employed in the second
sentence is constructed with a prepositional object or indirect prepositional
49
object and an infinitive clause. Speaker B should complete his sentence taking
care to supply the appropriate preposition.
Model:
A: I hope he will somehow free her from prison.
B: In fact, I depend on him to somehow free her from prison.
1.
A: Do you think he'll pay the money back in time?
B: Well, I pleaded........................................................
2.
A: Do you think the troops will disband in June?
B: As far as I know, Washington has prevailed...........

3.
A: Do you think he'll run this shop at a profit?
B: I know I can count...................................................

4.
A: Do you think the two women will give up the climb?
B: Well, I radioed........................................................
5.
A: Do you think they'll contact our agent?
B: Well, I wired...........................'..................................
6.
A: Do you think she'll help us with the cleaning?
B: Well, we can always depend.........................

7.
A: Do you think he'll come out of the conference room?
B: Well, I waved.......,.................................................
8.
A: I hope she'll buy the equipment.
B: Well, I've already written.........................................

4. Imagine the following parent / young child situation, where the child keeps
asking what different objects are used for. The parent's answer follows the
model below, using an appropriate preposition:
Model:
Child: 'What is a razor good for ?'
Parent: 'It's to shave your beard with.'
50
1. a pen; 2. a knife; 3. a camera; 4. a table; 5. a notebook; 6. scissors; 7. a needle;

8. gloves; 9. a violin; 10. an electric kettle; II. a refrigerator; 12. a parachute; 13.
bandages; 14. a calculator; 15.aspoon; 16.akey; 17. a tooth-brush; 18.adrawer;
19. a bath; 20. a shotgun; 21. a comb; 22. a school; 23. a kitchen; 24. binoculars;
25. a video; 26. a university; 27. a public garden; 28. a generator; 29. a chair; 30.
a lorry; 31. a sink; 32. a hair-brush; 33. a typewriter; 34. a dish cloth; 35. a
cooker.
5. Translate into English using FOR-TO construction, where possible:
A.
1. A ncercat s-o ademeneasc la ar, ca s ndrgeasc i ea pmntul. n cele
din urm ns, a consimit ca Nadina s plece singur n strintate a doua oar.
2. - Apoi dumitale i vine uor s dojeneti pe alii, c doar pmnt ai i
negustoria i merge.
3. - De data asta ns e mai bine s vorbii cu cucoana, c eu nici nu tiu c vrea
s-i vnz moia.
4. Aa c nu-i chip s mai ias omul sta cu sania.
5. Titu aprinse o luminare ca Tana s se poat mbrca.
6. In fruntea noii micri, e drept s-1 punem pe Vasile Alecsandri.
7. Nu va fi lipsit de interes ca istoricul s treac aici ntregul ir de voievozi ai
Moldovei pn n veacurile noastre.
B.
1. "E explicabil, a zis el, s-1 lsm s se renvee cu ideea c e liber..." . "Da, da
", ngnai eu, gndind: statueta a nvat s mint." "Trebuie s-i fie foarte greu
c nu mai poi preda la Universitate !"
2. E o prostie mai mare i dect tine i dect ea s credei c a fi nelat-o nainte
s m prseasc nti ea pe mine.
51
3. Ar fi fost ntr-adevr greu de conceput...Dar cui i displace o reacie de

supunere ?
4. Asta ar mai fi lipsit, s insultai dumneavoastr, fostul patron, pe muncitori...
5. Era suficient doar s gndesc acest lucru n prezena ei, ca s tresar cu putere
i o suferin acut, nsoit de panic, s i se atearn pe chip. (Marin Preda,
Cel mai iubit dintre pmnteni)
C.
1. Orict m-a strdui, mi-este cu neputin s-mi imaginez c odat verdictul
pronunat, voi putea adresa lumii un tandru adio nepstor.
2. Ajuns aici, Petric se opri. Ateptai ns zadarnic s continue.
3. Credeam c l strivisem pe Petric, dar el avu un surs spontan de
superioritate, nu se grbi s-mi rspund, atept ca Matilda s ne schimbe
farfuriile.
4. Ar fi fost ns incorect ca Petric s-mi spun c de fapt el nu-i iubete soia
i c regret pasul fcut, ne despream civilizat, fr s fie nevoie s m lase
singur de srbtori.
5. Le-am spus c mi-e greu fr Petric i c tremur de team s nu-l gsim ntro zi pe lungile liste de mori sau disprui.
6. Aveam datorii fata de rude, care ma ajutasera in timpul studentiei si acum
asteptau sa-i ajut si eu pe ei, frindca le era sj lor greu...
7. Fara un cuvant o luai inainte, deschisei usa si ii facui loc sa treaca.
8. In acest sens, traditia ramine: nu poate sa vina un nechemat si sa decida el
care poezie e buna, care roman e prost, care e piesa de teatru revolutionara si
care nu e.
(Marin Preda, Cel mat iubit dintrepaminteni)
52
6. Study the following idiomatic predicative phrases, which can appear with
infinitive subject clauses as shown in the examples, a. Translate the sentences,
b. Use the idioms in examples of your own.
be a daunting task to; be a shame; be a pity to ; be a cinch; be a breeze to ; be a
bitch to; do (no) harm to; do good; it belongs to the poet / critic / leader to; it
demands truth to; it behooves me to; it calls for NP to; it's a good thing / a very
natural thing / a lot of trouble / a nasty surprise / a good plan to; it is more
sense / nothing to;
1. It would do no harm to politicians and to our bureaucrats to spend the day
listening to the young people's point of view.
2. It belongs to the poet to praise beauty.
3. It behooves you to work harder if you want to succeed here.
4. It calls for a political genius to set things right in this country.
5. It's a daunting task to face the old lady with her keen penetrating freezing
eye.
6. It's nothing to translate such an easy text.
7. It's a natural thing to shake hands with someone you've just met.
8. It's a cinch to pass this exam.
9. It's a bitch to scrub the pots and pans.
10. It's a breeze to travel to Italy.
!!! A number of frequenly used adjectives {easy, tough, hard, impossible,
difficult, simple, dangerous, boring, entertaining, etc.) and nouns (a bitch, a
breeze, a cinch, a pain in the ass, a godsend, a pleasure), are found in the "tough
movement" construction:
It is tough to park cars in Manhattan.
Cars are tough to park in Manhattan.
53
Roughly, we can describe the "tough movement" structure by saying that an

object of the infinitive clause, cars in our example, becomes the subject of the
main clause. Any kind of objects may be promoted as subject.
It is easy to talk to the boss. (indirect object)
The boss is easy to talk to.
It is impossible to buy presents for John.
John is impossible to buy presents for.
It is easy to get along with her.
She is easy to get along with.
7. Transform the sentences below as indicated. Work in pairs.
Model:
A: It is difficult to park cars in Manhattan.
B: Thai's right. Cars are difficult to park in Manhattan.
1. It is easy to fall in love with him.
2. It is surprisingly difficult to follow this injunction.
3. It is not easy to answer this question.
4. It is tough to work with such a boss.
5. It is impossible to deal with a lot of these people.
6. It is nice to talk to her.
7. It will be difficult to get a rapid answer out of people who haven't really
thought about it.
8. It is barely possible to live with John.
9. It's still very ticklish to get this problem right;
10. It's quite simple to operate these machines.
54
8. Continue as above. Try to remember the nouns that can be used in this
construction. Translate the sentences into Romanian.
1. It's a bitch to sweep these floors.
2. It's a cinch to pass this exam.
3. It's a pain in the ass to work on this computer.
4. It's a breeze to live with him.
5. It was a godsend to hear your words.
9. Answer the following questions using the prompts given in brackets.
Model:
What kind of man is John ? (hard, get along with)
He is a hard man to get along with.
1. What kind of lecture is this? (easy, follow)
2. What kind of problem is that? (difficult, do)
3. What kind of place is this? (unlikely, be living in)
4. What kind of person is Mr. White? (odd, confide in)
5. What kind of job is this? (pleasant, do)
6. What kind of guy is Philip? (difficult, work with)
7. How was the lecturer? (a delight, listen to)
8. How was the homework? (a bitch, do)
9. How was the guest star? (exciting, talk to)
10. What's Bill like? (tough guy, deal with)
55
Tema nr. 7
THE ACCUSATIVE WITH INFINITIVE, THE NOMINATIVE WITH
INFINITIVE,
AND RELATED PARTICIPIAL CONSTRUCTIONS (TRANSITIVE
VERBS)
Uniti de nvare :
The Accusative + Infinitive Construction
The Nominative + Infinitive Construction
Related participial constructions
Translation
Obiectivele temei:

56
cunoaterea particularitatilor ce tine de constructiile Acuzativ+Infinitiv si

Nominativ+Infinitiv;
analizarea constructiilor participiale similare infinitivului;
analizarea diferentelor formale si valorificarea cunostintelor obtinute in
exercitii de traducere;
Polirom, 2001.
Timisoara, 1995.
1.1. THE ACCUSATIVE WITH INFINITIVE
1. Answer the following questions using the Accusative + Infinitive

consti~uction as indicated. Work in pairs.
Model:
A: Did he drink and make a fool of himself? (B: Yes, Ruth saw ....)
B: Yes, Ruth saw him drink and make a fool of himself.
1.
A: Did she strike a match to find her key?/B:Yes, I
heard..................................................
2.
A: Did the house shake?/ B: Yes, father and mother
felt.............................................
57
3.
A: Did he say he loved her?/ B: Yes, mother heard
him.............................................
4.
A: Did he approach the school across the lawn?/B: Yes, the headmistress
watched..........
5.
A: Did she put out the cat before she went to bed?/B: Yes, I
saw......................................
6.
A: Did he give orders to be picked up at five?/ B: Yes, the butler
heard............................
7.
A: Can you really believe that he strangled the victim in the train
compartment? B: Yes, a lady in a different train watched him............

8.
A: Did the people cheer when the movie-star entered?/B: Yes, I
heard...........................
9.
A: Can you imagine she entered through the back door? B: Yes, the
policeman watched.....................................
10.
A: Did the porter take the luggage from the boot of the car? B: Yes, the
front door manager saw...........................

2. Answer the following questions, related to the sentences below. Make a
short dialogue. Before solving the exercise, read the explanations below. Use
an Accusative + Infinitive passive construction in the second answer,
paralleling the active construction in the first answer.
Model:
He ordered the guard to open the cell door.
A: Who(m) did he order to open the cell door?/B: He ordered the guard to open
the cell door. A: What did he order?/B: He ordered the cell door to be opened by
the guard.
1. Moorage ordered the servants to pack his bags at once.
A:
Who(m).................................................?/B:............................................................
58
A:
What..........................,...........................?/B:............................................................
2. Napoleon ordered his generals to attack the city before dawn.
A:
Who(m).................................................?/B:............................................................
A:
What......................................................?/B:........................................................
3. He commanded the doctor to examine all the prisoners.
A:
Who(m).................................................?/B:.............-..............................................
.
A: What.....................................................?/
B:............................................................
4. Jefferson forbade the infantry to sack the city.
A: Who(m).................................................?/
B:............................................................
A:
What......................................................?/B:............................................................
5. He ordered the Inspector to arrest the lady.
A:
Who(m)..................................................?/B:.........................................................
A:
What.......................................................?/B:...........................................................
.
3. Apply the passive in the infinitive clauses below.
\
Model:
The admiral forbade the Navy to attack Tripoli.
59
The admiral forbade Tripoli to be attacked by the Navy.

1. He commanded the chef to cook an early lunch for the guests.
2. Their boss had ordered them to stop that journalist's voice by all means.
3. The prison commander forbade the guards to ill-treat the prisoners.
4. The Pope forbade him to preach those fiery sermons.
5. He ordered the servant to remove the chair.
1.2. THE NOMINATIVE WITH INFINITIVE
4. a) Paraphrase the finite THAT - clause by an Accusative + Infinitive
construction, b) Passivize the Accusative + Infinitive construction into a
Nominative + Infinitive construction, where possible.
Model:
He assumed that the charge had been incorrect. a. He assumed the charge to
have been incorrect./ b. The charge was assumed to have been incorrect.
1. Lincoln held that the Union was indestructible.
2.1 don't consider that he is a very fine example of anything.
3. He avowed that his brother was a supporter of the new group.
4. They felt that his admission was an expression of fear.
5. They suspected that some of them were foreigners. 6.1 declare that he is the
father of Charles.
7. Even father recognized that the translation was accurate.
8. Every line of his writing shows that the poet was in love with life.
9. You know that the mink coat had been stolen.
10. Some believed that he had connections with the FBI.
11. The public judged that his work was individualistic and expressive.
12. They thought that he was too rebellious for a political leader.
13. Even his enemies acknowledged that he had a brilliant mind.
14. They showed that much of the traditional dogma was irrelevant.
60
15. They reported that the Archduke Franz Ferdinand had been assassinated.
16.1 knew that this message was outdated.
17. We grant that this theory is correct.
18. They found that the Democrats were notably more approving than the
Republicans.
19. The doctor found that four of them were suffering from schizophrenia.
20. They discovered that the girl had heard of Mussolini and his policy.
5. Turn the following sentences into Nominative + Infinitive constructions;
passivize the main verb.
Model: It is assumed that Ron saw the accident. / Ron is assumed to have seen
the accident.
1. It is supposed that Jim is aware of the truth.
2. It is thought that Henry told on his classmates.
3. It is said that Bob ran over Mr White's dog.
4. It is believed that Tim informed the police about the burglary.
5. It is claimed that George found a treasure.
6. It is known that Bill caught the pickpocket.
7. It was suspected that Jim had stolen the penknife.
8. It is reported that inspector Allen gave evidence in court yesterday.
A limited number of verbs allow the Accusative + Infinitive construction.
These verbs fall into several semantic classes, namely:
a. verbs of physical perception (SEE, HEAR, etc.),
b. verbs ofpropasitional attitude (mental perception) (BELIEVE, JUDGE,
CONSIDER, etc.),
c. causative verbs (MAKE, HAVE, etc.),
d. exercitive verbs of permission and command {ORDER, ALLOW, etc.),
e. verbs of liking and disliking (WANT, LOVE, EXPECT, etc.).
61
The verbs in each class, which will be introduced in the exercises that
follow, may exhibit particular properties, but they share ability to appear with
the Accusative + Infinitive construction. Some of these verbs may be passivized,
the Accusative + Infinitive construction turning into a Nominative + Infinitive
one: They consider that man to be the best expert. / That man is considered to be
the best expert.
We first turn to the verbs of physical perception: see, hear, feel, watch,
overhear. These verbs are followed by the infinitive without TO (the bare /
naked infinitive):
I've never heard him complain like that.
Remark. Other verbs of physical perception like: perceive, notice, observe
take TO in the Accusative + Infinitive construction: When the figure got nearer,
I perceived it to be a woman.
The essence of this construction is that the Accusative and the Infinitive
make up a semantic unit, a clause whose subject is the Accusative and whose
predicate is the Infinitive. The Accusative + Infinitive is thus often equivalent
with a THAT- clause.
I believe [that he is honest]. / I believe him to be honest.
I consider [that this is a mistake]. /1 consider this to be a mistake.
I expect [that there will be trouble in Bucharest]. / I expect there to be
trouble in Bucharest.
The Accusative is not semantically related to the main verb, although the
main verb assigns the Accusative case. For instance, I believe him to be honest
does not imply I believe him, likewise, I hate animals to be tortured does not
imply I hate animals.
The Accusative + Infinitive construction differs from superficially similar
examples where a verb selects as arguments both an Accusative (often personal)
and an Infinitive clause; the latter may be replaced by a THAT- clause.
Compare:
62
I persuaded her to be more tolerant. /I persuaded her that she should be

more tolerant. I believed her to be more tolerant. /I believed that she was more
tolerant.
Verbs of permission and command may also be used in the Accusative +
Infinitive construction. In this case, the Infinitive is often passive, the subject of
the Infinitive cannot be interpreted as the receiver of the permission or
command: He ordered his bed to be made at once. The translation of this
example is: El a ordonat ca patul sau sa fie facut / sa i se faca patul.
An important class of Accusative + Infinitive triggers is that of'verbs
ofpropositional attitude (mental perception): acknowledge, admit, assume,
JIVOW,
believe, claim, consider, declare, deem, disclose, discover, estimate, feel,
find, grant, guess, hold, imagine, judge, know, presume, proclaim, prove,
recognize, reckon, report, show, suspect.
TEST DE EVALUARE
Choose the correct infinitive form given in brackets:
1. I've never seen him (to paint, paint) a landscape.
2. Grandmother believes Tom (to be telling, tell) the truth.
3. They watched the man (to photograph, photograph) the harbour.
4. She noticed him (to dust, dust) the furniture.
5. We overheard them (to talk, talk) in the conference room.
6. They observed the man (to be known, be known) by everybody in the pub.
7. They ordered the pickpocket (to be taken, be taken) to the police station.
8. You considered his story (to be, be) true, didn't you?
9. He found grandmother (to be, be ) in very good shape, in spite of her age.
10.1 felt the little boy (to be suffering, be suffering) from pneumonia.
6. Work in pairs using causative MAKE.
Model: A: 'She blushed'. / B: What made her blush?'
63
1. Peter felt tired.

2. She left without saying a word.
3. The young girl looked very mature at the party last night.
4. How happy she looks!
5. It's the first time he offended her.
6. He finally sent his resignation.
7. The boss cancelled their promotion.
8. The girls giggled and felt shy.
9. Muriel choked with anger.
10. It was the first time she felt sorry for him.
11. He quit without previous notice.
12. They came by tube this time.
13. Bob telephoned before leaving for Exeter.
14. She lent Tom her new car.
15. He invited her to his birthday party.
Causative verbs (MAKE, HAVE, GET, LET) allow the Accusative + Infinitive
construction; each causative verb has certain characteristics concerning its use
in this construction. The verb MAKE is followed by the bare infinitive:
MAKE + Infinitive without TO
7. Respond to the following sentences using the passive voice.
Model:
A: Tom made me cry. B: I'm sorry that you were made to cry by Tom.
1.
A: The teacher made Bill repeat the exercise several times.
B: It's very good that...................................................

2.
A: The judge made the criminal restore the stolen property.
B: I'm glad to hear that...............................................

3.
A: The Government made the Police Commissioner restore public order.

64
B: It's good that..........................................................

4.
A: Mother made him brush his teeth before going to bed.
B: It's for his own good that.........................................

5.
A: They will make Mr Johnson retire before Easter.
B: I'm sorry that.......................................................

6.
A: Grandmother made me button up my coat before going out.
B: It's but natural that...............................................

7.
A: They will make Philip give evidence in court.
B: Everybody expects that.........................................

8.
A: The teacher made her prune away unnecessary adjectives.
B: We were pleased that...........................................

9.
A: They will make Edward behave himself at the party.
B: I hope that............................................................
10.
A: They made the young man burst the door open. B: How unfortunate
that..........................................
Remember that in the passive voice, in the Nominative + Infinitive construction,
the verb MAKE is followed by a TO-infmitive.
8. Construct dialogues using the causative HAVE + ACC + INF construction.
Model:
A: John won't sweep the floor. B: Don't worry. I'll have him sweep it tomorrow,
(tomorrow)
The verb HAVE may be used in an Accusative + Infinitive structure with two
different interpretations. HAVE may mean CA USE as in the following example:
I'll have him learn these poems by heart. (Am sa-l pun sa invete poeziile pe de
rost)
It may also mean EXPERIENCE, as in: I've never had anyone talk to me like
that. (Nu mi s-a intimplat niciodata sa-mi vorbeasca cineva asa).
65
In the two exercises that follow, the student is invited to familiarize himself with
these interpretations.
1. A: Jane refuses to sew the yellow dress now.
B: It's all right. We'll have.................(when she has drunk her tea)
2. A: John doesn't want to trim the Christmas tree now.
B: It doesn't matter. We'll have............................(this evening)
3. A: She won't answer the letters now.
B: Nevermind. I'll have.............................(tomorrow, instead)
4. A: My brother won't press your trousers now.
B: Don't worry. I'll have......................................(immediately)
5. A: The plumber refuses to fix the faucet now.
B: Forget about it. I'll have...........(when he has finished his lunch)
9. Complete the following dialogues. Notice that in sentences B the verb
HAVE means 'to experience'. Translate the sentences into Romanian.
Model:
A: Have you ever been searched by the police?
B: No, I've never had the police search me.
1.
A: Has she ever been insulted by him?
B: No, she has never...............................

2.
A: Has she ever hurt his feelings?
B: No, he has never.................................

3.
A: Have they ever ordered you to make their beds?
B: No, I've never......................................

4.
A: Has he ever come here so early in the morning?
B: Yes, I've often......................................

5.
A: Has Bill ever dedicated to you any of his poems?
B: Yes, I've sometimes............................
66
10. Reinforce the following sentences using causative HAVE + Acc + past
participle construction. You may use various adverbs/ clauses such as: I see,
etc. Work in pairs.
Model:
A: I employed someone to repair my car. B: I see, you had your car repaired.
1.
A: I'll employ someone to clean my windows monthly.
B:................................................................................
2.
A: Mrs White employs somebody to service her car twice a year.
B:................................................................................
3.
A: They employed somebody to put in central heating.
B:...............................................................................
4.
A: They employed a painter to wallpaper the main hall only last year.
B:.............................................................................
5.
A: The hairdresser did her hair yesterday.
B:.................................................................................
6.
A: A tailor pressed his trousers.
B:.................................................................................
7.
A: Someone will dig Mr Thomson's garden.
B:................................................................................
8.
A: A chimney-sweep cleaned Mrs.Brown's chimneys.
B:................................................................................
9.
A: George brought a tuner to tune his piano.
B:................................................................................
10.
A: They will hire some experts to renovate the old college buildings.
B:...............................................................................
11. Work in pairs. Use the prompts in brackets.
Model:
A: Your hair is too long, (cut) Why don't you have it cut?
B: Yes, you are quite right. I must have my hair cut.
67
1.
A: Your piano does not sound all right, (tune)..............
B:.................................................................................
2.
A: His house is a mess, (tidy up)...................................
B:.................................................................................
3.
A: There are several mistakes in his calculations, (check)............
B:..............................................................................
'4.
A: Your suit is rather dirty, (clean)...............................
B:..............................................................................
5.
A: There's something wrong with their central heating, (service)
B:...............................................................................
6.
A: She is very upset; her nose is not straight, (straighten).............
B:............................................................................
7.
A: You can't play tennis with this racquet, (restring)....................
B:...............................................................................
8.
A: He has a terrible toothache, (teeth, sec to)................
B:............................................................................
9.
A: His jacket is all rumpled, (press).............................
B:..............................................................................
10.
A: His trousers are too long, (shorten, take in)...........
B:...............................................................................
12. Rephrase the following sentences using the verb LET and the prompts
given. Make a dialogue.
Like make and have, LET requires an Accusative + Infinitive without TO. LET is
a verb of "permissive causation" with the interpretation "a permite" ((ca) sa ...),
"a da voie".
For example: He won't let me come in without a ticket. (Nu-mi da voie sa intru
fara bilet.) (Nu vrea sa-mi dea voie sa intru fara bilet.)
68
Model:
A: The bridge should be rebuilt. B: The mayor decided to let the bridge be built.
1. A: Mary would like to buy herself a new silk dress.
B: Father intends..........................................
2. A: John wants to study languages abroad.
B: His parents decided.................................
3. A: The workers intend to go on strike as of next Monday.
B: The trade unions don't want..............................
4. A: Tom would like to repair his new bike himself.
B: Father decided to........................................
5. A: Ethel would like to go with me to Paris next week.
B: Her parents will be happy to..................................
1.3. RELATED PARTICIPIAL CONSTRUCTIONS (TRANSITIVE
VERBS)
13. Construct dialogues using the following model:
The causative verb GET may be used with both the Accusative + Infinitive and
the Accusative + Past Participle constructions. It requires the infinitive with
TO.
Model:
A: This door needs painting.
B: I'll gel Tom to paint it next week. (Tom, next week)
A: It's too late. I must get it done earlier.
A: This car should be repaired.
B: I'll get......................................(mechanic, after Christmas)
A: It'll be rather late. I must..............................(before Christmas)
69
A: This room wants cleaning.

B: Ethel will get........................................(a domestic help, the day after
tomorrow)
A: But she entertains tomorrow, so we should...........................(by tomorrow
afternoon)
A: This shirt could do with a bit of ironing.
B: My sister will get....................................................................(maid, this
evening)
A: I......................................................................................, (1 have a date in an
hour).
A: The cutlery could do with a little polishing.
B: I'll get...................................................................(someone, first thing
tomorrow)
A: Remember the guests arc coming tonight, so we must get..............(this
afternoon)
A: Those trees need pruning.
B: You are right. I'll get......:..........................(the gardener, in the next couple of
weeks)
A: It's too late. We should get...................................................................(next
week)
A: This roof leaks. It needs mending.
B: That's a shame. We'll get..................................(a worker, by the end of the
week)
A: What if it rains tomorrow? We should get..................................................
(today)
14. Translate into English:
1. - Dati-mi drumul acasa, sint nevinovat.
70
- O sa ti se dea drumul, murmura el absent si intunecat, daca se va dovedi ca n-ai

nici o legatura cu aceasta organizatic.
2. Dupa tine ar trebui sa lasam burghezia sa-si faca toate mendrele si noi sa ne
uitam si sa
filozofam.
3. - Trebuic sa te tunzi, tmi spuse in timp cc ma sapunea.
4. Lasa-i deci pe altii sa admire coroana. Numai tu singur vei sti cit aur contine...
5. Numai ca o scrisoare de-a mea era pc drum. Foarte bine, am gindit, lasa-1 s-o
prinda, s-o
citeasca si sa vada.
6. Dar discutia alunccase si am revenit inccrcind s-o fac sa inteleaga pe Nineta
sa nu ma iubeasca decat pe mine.
7. Sint lucruri care, cnd ni se intmpla, ne fac sa ne dispara orgoliul, umilinta
nu ne mai
umileste, adevarul, oricum ar fi el, e singurul care ne poate linisti.
8. Ploilc toamnei care urmara unor lungi si frumoase zile, apoi ninsorile icrnii cu
vinturile ei
reci nu reuira sa ma smulga parca din atemporal; in mod straniu ma faceau sa
ma simt eteni nu numai in gindul meu, ci in insasi fiinta mea vie si intima.
9. - Nu te baga in chestia asta, zise, tu nu stii nimic, lasa-1 pe Bularca sa se
descurce.
(Marin Preda, Cel mai iubit dintre paminteni)
15. a. Practise these verbs in the Acc + Inf construction in dialogues of the
kind shown below:
The Accusative + Infinitive is also used after verbs of liking and disliking in the
class: like, dislike, love, hate, want, mean, intend, expect, prefer.
Model:
71
A: Shall 1 help you to make the beds? (like)

B: Yes, please. I'd like you to do that.
1.
A: Do you want me to throw away this tea pot? (hate)
B: Oh,no...........................................................
2.
A: Shall I help you to wash the dishes? (like)
B: Yes, please..................................................
3.
A: Shall I help you with the editing of your paper? (love)

B: Yes, please..................................................
4.
A: Shall I put this cat out of the room? (hate)
B: Oh, no. Since it's raining...............................

5.
A: Can the children take the knives into the garden? (hate)
B: Oh, no..........................................................
6.
A: Can the students take this exam tomorrow? (hate)
B: Oh, no. Since I'm on holiday,............................

b. Now practise the verb prefer in the same construction, using the following
model
Model:
A: Would you like me to pull up weeds, or cut the grass? B: I'd prefer you to cut
the grass.
1.
A: Would you like me to ring her up, or go and see her?
B:..............................................................................
2.
A: Would you like me to clean the stove, or sweep the floor?
B:..............................................................................
3.
A: Would you like me to play a record, or switch on the TV?
B:..............................................................................
4.
A: Would you like him to come today, or tomorrow?
B:..............................................................................
72
5.
A: Would you like her to become an actress, or a pop singer?
B:..............................................................................
c. Passivize the following infinitive constructions. Since the infinitive subject
will be identical with the main-clause subject, it will not be expressed.
Model:
I don't want this woman to corrupt me. / don 7 want to be corrupted by this
woman.
1. Well, do you want these people to overhear you?
2. Gosh! I'd like a millionaire to fancy me.
3. Does this country wish the Continent to swallow it?
4. He hadn't expected his mother to scold him.
5. Did he then want Brendon to influence him?
6. Indeed, she had intended you to help her.
7. She hadn't expected her friend to take such loving care of her.
8. She had meant him to look for her at the opera.
9.1 had meant this coach to turn me into an athletic hero.
10. I don't want people to pity me.
11. Would you like him to accompany you to the National Gallery?
12. Do you wish him to drive you to the airport?
TEST DE EVALUARE
Correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. They let this boy to go out and get half killed.
2. This caused all prices surpass the permitted limits.
3. I can't get this umbrella opening.
4.1 know the episode can be made look that way.
5. This insistence made Peter feeling tired.
6. What would you have me done?
73
7. He had the police looked for the suspect in every city.

8. I won't have her to stay here a day longer.
74

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Tema nr.

nelegerea conceptelor teoretice i formarea perspectivei asupra

1.1. Infinitives in English

Similarly with several common verbs of permission or causation,

1.3. Uses of the full infinitive

Outside of dictionary headwords, it is the most commonly used citation

main clause is also subject of the infinitival clause, as in "John promises

2. THE FORMS OF THE INFINITIVE

1. air; 2. build; 3. chain; 4. decorate; 5. entertain; 6. fake; 7. garnish; 8. hand; 9.

2.2. Position of auxiliary adverbs in the infinitive clause.

Parlog, Hortensia, The English Infinitive- a Source of errors for the

1. INFINITIVE SUBJECT CLAUSES

I arranged to go. => I will go.

3. It is usual (John, go jogging to lose weight).

7. A: Will he really spend a month's salary to repair his old car?

'Yes, it would please me for him to get this job.'

A: Would it hurt his feelings if his wife were not invited?

15. A trai nu e absolut necesar, a construi e necesar.

Explicarea si interpretarea contextelor in care apar constructiile cu

Nastase, Roxana, Gramatica engleza. Verbul. Notiuni generale si

INFINITIVE OBJECT CLAUSES

3. He claimed possession of the car.

8. The librarian will do some extra work at the office, (plan)

nelegerea conceptelor teoretice i formarea perspectivei asupra folosirii

1. I decided for Mr. Smith to represent our company.

5. Ma uitai la el cu coada ochiului, sa vad daca mai era acelasi, capabil sa

construction or he may use a substitute of the infinitive verb: to do so or to do

b. Passivize sentences B as shown in B'.

to nominate his successor himself.

A: It was rash of you to move in so quickly.

A: It is generous of John to share the cost.

A: It is considerate of you to offer to help.

A: It was cruel of him to shoot the doves, I think.

A: It was ungenerous of Mary to offend her aunt, I suppose.

B: Yes, you are right..............................................

A: It was confusing of Peter to mix up the explanations.

A: It was naughty of Tommy to pull the cat's tail.

A: It was impolite of them to walk out in the middle of the conference.

A: It would be silly of him to buy such an expensive apartment, I guess.

3. A: The minister met his counterpart at the airport.

5. A: He stood up for their rights.

6. A: Bill quit this job.

7. A: They accused him of embezzlement.

8. A: Richard brought Joan these flowers.

9. A: Tom did not answer her question.

Notice that the OF-constructions can be transformed into an exclamation: How

Foley, Mark & Hall, Diane, Advanced Learners Grammar. A self-study

12. He ought to be our chairman. We will vote for it.

11. Emily's parents had begged for a trial period to elapse.

exercitive verbs of command and permission: allow, authorize,

4. Drink more tea, Mrs. Bloomfield! This is my recommendation.

A: What did mother allow Muriel?

(go out this evening)

2. A: What did father forbid you?

A: What did the manager order Brian?

(report to the office at nine o'clock)

(search the house immediately)

A: What did they wire the captain of the crew?

(land at the nearest airport)

A: What did the boss radio the soldiers?

(surround the area at once)

(issue entrance visas for all visitors arriving