The Infinitive. Syntactical Functions

Exercise 21, p. 251: Make up suitable sentences according to the model. Use the list below.

The Subject

Model 1: It’s difficult to follow you. You speak so fast.

1.It’s late —. 2. It’s always easy—. 3. It was hard—. 4. Why is it so important —? 5. It'll take you very little time —. 6. It gives him pleasure—. 7. It wasn't difficult—. 8. It's hot—. 9. It's dangerous —. 10. It's time—. 11. It was not easy—. 12. It was so noisy that it was hard —.

hear or be heard; play football today; raise this question; drive a car in a big city; look through my work; call on him today; explain to them the meaning of this word; get letters; explain his behaviour; give advice; believe his words; follow the traffic regulations.

The Predicative

Model 2: The main problem is to get to the place before dark.

1.My job then was —. 2. His next step was —. 3. All you have to do is —. 4. Our plan was —. 5. The only thing he had to do was —. 6. Among other things the job of a reporter is —. 7. The last thing I want is —. 8. The first thing to do is —.

Spend the summer holidays in the mountains; disturb you; attend press conferences; learn the whole truth; get her on the phone; explain how to do it; get information and send it to the newspaper; let her know how things are.

An Object

Model 3: (a) I am sorry to trouble you.

(b) He tried to speak calmly.

1. He couldn't make up his mind whether — or not. 2. The students of our group agreed—. 3. We didn't know which way —. 4. She was eager —. 5. He was a very careless driver, he wasn't afraid —. 6. We were lucky not —. 7. He hates —. 8. The boy promised —. 9. I didn't mean —. 10. He went to bed forgetting —. 11. I was happy —. 12. He was determined —.

turn; attract everybody's attention; break the traffic regulations; stay for the night in the village; take part in the work of the English club; behave well; win first place; switch off the light; miss the train; see an old friend; be the centre of attention; hurt sb's feelings

An Attribute

Model 4: (a) She had nothing to do.

(в) There was nothing to argue about.

1.He had little —. 2. There was no need —. 3. I have nothing —. 4. The ground is wet. Let's find something —. 5. Leaving this town he had nothing —. 6. He had good news —. 7. We have a lot of problems —. 8. You'll need somebody —. 9. She had nothing —. 10. She has a family —.

sit on; say; read; look after; argue about the matter; help you with the work; be proud of; lose; tell; think over

An Adverbial Modifier of Purpose

Model 5: (a) I've come here (so as) to have a talk with you.

(b) (In order) to understand poetry you must read it aloud.

1. He will have to work hard —. 2. We invited the veterans of war —. 3. — I took a taxi. 4. The car is waiting —. 5. I turned off the radio. 6. We stopped —. 7. I stepped aside —. 8. In order — one must take a boat. 9. He climbed up a tree so as __. 10. Follow the instructions carefully.

see where the road turned; not lose a moment's time; not disturb him while he was sleeping; tell the children about their heroic fight at the front; catch up with the group; take you to the station; let them pass; catch our breath; get the best results; approach the house from the river side