Infinitive in English: with or without the subtleties of translation

For the English-comprehending infinitive, it is rarely difficult to translate, for it is easy to remember that with a particle, the verb (for example, to learn ) is translated by the verb in an indefinite form (what to do? -to study).

At other levels of grammar learning it turns out that, unlike the Russian language, there are several forms of the infinitive: these are forms of active voice and passive ( to tell / to be told ); Perfect form and Continuous ( to be listening ) form. However, the latter forms are quite rare.

Most often, in practice, we meet with the use of a simple infinitive. Often an infinitive in the English language in the case of a combination with modal verbs is included in the verbal predicate. It happens to be a complement. Recognize the infinitive and translate the sentence with it is not difficult. The biggest confusion arises when you need to use it yourself: Do you need a particle to? Next, we briefly recall the basic rules, paying attention to the most interesting aspects of translation.

When to is needed

1. With a particle, an infinitive in English is used with one modal verb. This exception from the common rule is ought to . This also includes auxiliary verbs when they perform modal functions ( have to and one more, to be ). In all these cases, these verbs express the need, the obligation, though to a different extent. We will explain further and give examples.

It's a formal dinner, you ought to wear an evening dress. - This is an official party, you need to be in an evening dress.

2. Addition is another most common case when an infinitive is used in English. After these verbs:

- Verbs expressing the attitude, desire (love, hate, hope, gather, etc.)

I wish to come back soon. - I dream to return here soon.

- Some more words in verbs that are quite popular, for example: to need, to agree, to decide, to learn, some others; With the addition in the form of a pronoun ( teach smb, tell smb ).

A complete list of verbs, after which the infinitive in English should be used with the particle to, can be found in any grammar reference. In addition, if you have doubts about a particular verb, it is recommended to use a good English-English dictionary of a proven publisher, for example, Oxford or Macmillan. They indicate the structures in which this verb is used. Useful and will be on-line dictionaries, for example, multitran.ru (after the meanings of the verb are the phrases in which it is used).

Note: the same verbs may require additions after themselves, or may not. In this case, the particle to is invariably present. This includes such commonly used verbs as like, ask, want and some others.

They should be mentioned in more detail, since they are required when translating from Russian language such constructions as "I want you ...".

I want you to take us there. - I want you to drive us there.

I expect that you will be exactly at 9. - I expect you to be at 9.

I would like him to be more patient. - I'd like him to be more patient.

Pay attention: Russian "to" we in this case omit. No unions. If we want someone else to do it, we use the infinitive. Keeping the particle to. Do not forget about the pronoun as a supplement ( you , for example), so it was clear from whom we want to achieve this.

3. Expression of purpose:

Give me time to prepare. - Give me time to prepare . When translating such constructions into Russian, we also use the indefinite form of the verb ("prepare"); Allowed and the union in order ("to prepare"). In the absence of practice, the reverse operation, that is, the construction of sentences with the expression of the goal in English, may seem a little more complicated. So, remember: "Purpose, intent is an infinitive". For training, translate a few simple sentences:

I came to talk to you.

I changed jobs to spend more time with children.

Without to

Cases, when the infinitive in English should be used without to, is much less. Typically, this happens after the vast majority of the verbs modal, as well as the verbs make and let (active voice) and after some phrases: had better (in speech more often 'd better ), can not but, would rather, nothing but, why not and Others.

You must sit quiet. "You must sit quietly."

You can not be serious! "You're kidding!"

I can not but admire you. - I can not help admiring you.

He let me speak . "He gave me his word."

As you can see, the correct use of the infinitive in oral and written speech requires some practice. Do not neglect exercise and do not hesitate to refer to directories and dictionaries: these are your faithful assistants in the process of learning any foreign language.