Unit 2 Grammar: The Infinitive Constructions

Objectives: Introduction of new grammar theme “The Infinitive Constructions” and fulfilling grammar exercises

The Infinitive Constructions

Uses of the Infinitive

1. The Infinitive may be used alone: We began to walk down the road.

2. The Infinitive may be the subject of a sentence.

3. The Infinitive may be the complement of a verb: His plan is to keep the affair secret.

4. The Infinitive may be the object or part of the object of a verb: He wants to pay or He wants me to pay.

5. The Infinitive can be used after certain adjectives: angry, glad, happy, sorry, fortunate, likely, lucky.

6. The Infinitive can be used with too/ enough.

Ex. 1. Translate into your language.

1. The first question to be considered is whether the offer of the sellers should be accepted. 2. A committee headed by B. began to work out a resolution to be presented to the conference. 3. The plan of our work will be discussed at the meeting to be held on may 25. 4. The buyers agreed to accept the goods at a price to be fixed by arbitration. 5. We stopped to have a smoke. 6. Please send us your instructions at once to enable us to ship the machines by the 20^th May.

Ex. 2. Insert to where necessary.

1. I like … play the piano. 2. My brother can … write poems. 3. We had … put on our overcoats because it was cold. 4. They wanted … cross the river. 5. It is time for you … go to bed. 6. Let me ... help you with your homework. 7. I was planning … do a lot of things yesterday. 8. I think I shall be able ... solve this problem. 9. What makes you … think you are right? 10. Do you like … listen to music?

Ex. 3. Replace the group of words in italics by an Infinitive or an Infinitive constructions.

It is important that he should understand this.

It is important to him to understand this.

1. The captain was the last man who left the ship. 2. Would you be very kind and lend me your umbrella? 3. There are a lot of sheets that need mending. 4. It is better that he should hear it from you. 5. If he had another child with whom he could play he would be happier. 6. He put his hand into his pocket and was astonished when he found that his wallet wasn’t there. 7. I can’t go to the party; I have nothing that I can wear. 8. Haven’t you anything with which you could open it? 9. The strikers decided that the strike should continue. 10. He took out his spare wheel and was very disappointed when he discovered that that tyre was also punctured.

Ex. 4. Fill in the right form of the verb given. Use verb+ing or to+infinitive.

Example: I want (go) ___ to the cinema tonight.

Ex. 5. Fill the gaps with s preposition and an –ing form.

about like without by with of at for

Having making buying asking remembering

being stung arriving going doing coming

a) I got into trouble ____________ at school late. b) You can lose weight ______________ exercise. c) How _____________ out for a meal tonight? d) How dare you take my money ____________ me? e) This machine is used ____________ pasta. f) I'm hopeless ____________ people's names. g) I’m thinking ______________ a new car. A Renault, maybe. h) Thank you __________ to see me. i) Yuk! Monday morning! I don't feel ________________ to work!