Predicative complexes which can be any part of the sentence

34. Predicative complexes which can be any part of the sentence

The For-to-Infinitive Constructions

is a predicative constr. in which the nominal part (a noun/noun-propoun except a personal pronoun in the common case, or a personal pronoun in the objective case) is introduced by the preposition FOR, while the predicate part is an infinitive with the particle TO. The construction functions as:

1) Subject-it usually follows introductory IT and is very seldom placed before the predicate ( It was practically impossible for them to meet anyboy)

2) Predicative- the usual link-verb is TO BE (That is not for me to decide)

3) Object- the construction can be used as an indirect non-recipient object of certain verbs (to ask,to watch) and adjectives (anxious,eager,impatient,sorry,willing) - I watched for him to appear through the bushes

4) Attribute-it modifies nouns or indefinite and universal pronouns (She gave orders for everyone to stop packing)

5) Adverbial modifier

a) of purpose( I rang for you to show the lady out)

b) of consequence (The chance was too good for Jack to miss it)

The Gerundial Predicative Construction

is a predicative constr. is a predicative complex in which the nominal part is generally a noun/noun-pronoun in the possessive case or a possessive pronoun in the common case or a personal pronoun in the objective case. The construction may be:

1) Subject- is used either with or without introductory IT (Your doing nothing won't help anybody)

2) Predicative-(The only way out will be his taking the job)

3) Object-the construction may be either direct object to a verb or an indirect non-recipient object to a verb or adjective (She liked his worrying about his wife)

4) Attribute-is generally used with the preposition OF, although other prepositions are possible (The prospect of smo else getting a job moved them to strong moral indignation)

5) Adv.modifier-is always introduced by a prepositions:

a) of time(After his being away for some time the crisis came)

b) of attendant circumstances ( The car slid away without my having to say anything)

c) of concession ( In spite of its being cold the bushes swarmed with insects)

⇐ Предыдущая 12