LONGMAN ENGLISH GRAMMAR PRACTICE

16.4 Adjectives and nouns + to-infinitive

Write: Join these pairs of sentences twice: a with enough b with too.

1 I'm not strong. I can't lift it. а{'тМ^щ.К^тдк.^Ш..^- b .7

2 I'm not rich. I can't afford one. a b

3 She's not old. She can't drive a car. a b

4 I wasn't interested. I didn't watch the film, a b

5 The pie is very hot. I can't eat it. a b

6 The film was boring. I didn't watch it. a b

16.4C

Study:

[**]

Noun + fo-infinitive: 'My decision to wait was wise [> LEG 16.33-37]

1 Some nouns are related to verbs which are followed by a fo-infinitive.

They may have a different form from the verb: I decide to -* it's my decision to;

or they may have the same form as the verb: I wish to -* it's my wish to.

2 Some nouns are related to adjectives which are followed by a fo-infinitive.

They usually have a different form from the adjective:

I am determined to -* my determination to; I am eager to -» my eagerness to.

Write: Rewrite these sentences beginning with a noun phrase.

1 I decided to wait, which was wise. My

2 He refused to help, which surprised us. His

3 She failed to get into college, which disappointed her parents. Her

4 I'm pleased to be with you. It's a

5 They were eager to help, which pleased me. Their

6 I was determined to pass the test and that helped me. My

7 I was willing to co-operate and this was appreciated. My

16.4D Context

Write: Supply the correct fo-infinitive combinations.

THE BRAVE OLD LADY AND THE HOPELESS CROOK

Mrs Johns, a 75-year-old widow, woke up with a start. Peering into the

darkness, she was astonished (see) \...ÂO.A&£>. a man in her room.

It was easy (see)^2 he was a burglar. At first, she was too

afraid (move)^3 Then she plucked up her courage and

said, 'We must talk about this over a cup of tea. Would you be so kind

(help me)^4 downstairs?' To her surprise, the man meekly

obeyed. He was eager (help)^5 and anxious (please)

(^6) the old lady. He prepared the tea and said he was sorry
(have disturbed)^7 her. He was too frightened (run away)
(^8) After a cup of tea, he said he would be glad (give)
(^9) Mrs Johns his name and address and left empty-
handed. Of course, Mrs Johns informed the police, who commended her
for her bravery. Later, during the trial, the judge said it was his duty
(send)^10 the man to prison, describing him as the most
incompetent burglar he had ever met!
A most incompetent burglar!