BlackBlitz Posted 17 years ago
Grammar
Infinitives/Gerunds
When we use infinitives and gerunds, I think they are more or less “thoughts of the action”. However, I read that some infinitives can become clauses, and vice versa. How about gerunds? When can I turn infinitives to clauses?
“I have a book to read” -> “I have a book that I will read” (I used the modal will).
“I play soccer to stay in shape” à “I play soccer so that I can stay in shape”
However, I’m having trouble understanding this one.
“He claims that he is famous” vs. “He claims to be famous”.
I don’t how to explain this, but at first I thought infinitives are verbals that don’t show “action”. (I hope you know what I mean). With my first two examples, modals are used to indicate that the “action” isn’t happening at that time. I may be wrong; can someone explain to me the rules?
Oh and another questions.
“I hope (myself) to become a doctor” I can use the infinitive here.
“I hope for Carol to become a doctor” vs. “I hope Carol becomes a doctor”
Is there a difference in meaning? Are they both correct? One example uses an infinitive whereas the other uses a clause. =S Thanks. I have really weird questions!
“I have a book to read” -> “I have a book that I will read” (I used the modal will).
“I play soccer to stay in shape” à “I play soccer so that I can stay in shape”
However, I’m having trouble understanding this one.
“He claims that he is famous” vs. “He claims to be famous”.
I don’t how to explain this, but at first I thought infinitives are verbals that don’t show “action”. (I hope you know what I mean). With my first two examples, modals are used to indicate that the “action” isn’t happening at that time. I may be wrong; can someone explain to me the rules?
Oh and another questions.
“I hope (myself) to become a doctor” I can use the infinitive here.
“I hope for Carol to become a doctor” vs. “I hope Carol becomes a doctor”
Is there a difference in meaning? Are they both correct? One example uses an infinitive whereas the other uses a clause. =S Thanks. I have really weird questions!
Top answer
You are asking basically the same question with the above. So I won't break down each one. Compare: I have a job to finish, I have no time to talk!
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You are asking basically the same question with the above.
So I won't break down each one.
Compare: I have a job to finish, I have no time to talk! = I have a job I must get done.
“I have a book to read” => “I have a book that I mustwill read” They are roughly equal in meaning.
“I play soccer to stay in shape” direct infinitiv
So I won't break down each one.
Compare: I have a job to finish, I have no time to talk! = I have a job I must get done.
“I have a book to read” => “I have a book that I must
“I play soccer to stay in shape” direct infinitiv
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BlackBlitzWhen can I turn infinitives to clauses?The answer is very disappointing, I'm afraid. You can turn infinitives into clauses whenever the grammar of the governing verb allows it.
claim allows either a that clause or an infinitive construction when the subject of the infinitive is the same as the subject of the sentence.
He
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