Syntax- přednášky

• Function: elements expressed by noun phrases (S, O, C)

1. Adverbial clauses

• Function: adverbials

1. Comment clauses

• They function as comments

• I think this sportsman is very good.

1. Appositive clauses

• Function: post-modification (noun phrases, abstract nouns)

Appositive clause x relative clause

• We need “that” – it functions as a conjunction ↓

• This belief that everybody should be honest is right.

  • Both of them post-modify

NON-FINITE CLAUSES

• Infinitive

• Gerund

• Past participle, present participle

Infinitives

• Present infinitive

• Past infinitive

• Perfect infinitive

TO-infinitive clauses

Syntactic function of the infinitive

1. As a SUBJECT: To be neutral in this conflict is (V) out of the question (C).

2. As an OBJECT - He likes to relax. → He likes what?

3. As a SUBJECT COMPLEMENT - The best excuse(S) is (V) to say that you have an exam tomorrow. (C) (V) (O) finite clause

(S) (V) (O) (A)

1. As an APPOSITIVE - Your ambition, to become a farmer, requires a lot of energy. [Your ambition = to become a farmer – it is the same thing]

2. As an ADJECTIVAL [edžektajvl] COMPLEMENTATION – I’m very eager to meet him.

Subject

• We may also use introductory IT

To leave early would be impolite. → It would be impolite to leave early.

To play with him was great fun. → It was great fun to play with him.

To reach an agreement proved impossible. → It proved impossible to reach an agreement.(O)

→ or → An agreement proved impossible to reach. (tough movement/O - S transposition → object from the introductory IT becomes a subject – typical English)

To write for you journal is a pleasure. → It is a pleasure to write for your journal.

→ or → Your journal is pleasure to write for.

• If a TO-infinitive clause has a SUBJECT, we use FOR.

It was impossible FOR me to refuse.

It was difficult FOR him to pass the test. → or → The test was difficult for him to pass.

Object

1. The subject of the main verb is the subject of the infinitive

He refused to cooperate. → He refused what? – To cooperate-

I (S) want (V) to buy a new coat. (Object – Non-Finite cl.) → Main verb = want, infinitive = to buy → the same subject “I” V O

(“to buy a new coat” is object expressed by clause – the clause contain verb and object)

• The SUBJECT of the main verb is the SUBJECT of the INFINITIVE

I can’t decide whether to go or not.. I don’t know what to choose.

1. The DOER of the INFINITIVE is not the object of the main verb

I want you to help me.

• Function of “you” – subject of the infinitive clause

• It doesn’t mean that I want you

• Next example: I expect you to do it immediately (I don’t expect you. I expect something – and that “something” is done by you)

1. Infinitive – Direct object after indirect object (for ditransitive verbs)

• The doer of the infinitive action is the O of the main V (Common to both predications.)

I told him to wait.

She advised you to buy a new coat.

1. Infinitive – Complement after Direct object