(the Nominative-with-the-lnfinitive)
The Complex Subject consists of a noun/pronoun (in the nominative case) and the infinitive. It is considered to be the subject of the sentence, its Russian equivalent is in most cases a subordinate clause.
Laser is known to be used in medicine.
, .
The Complex Subject is used with:
1. the following groups of verbs in the Passive:
denoting sense perception: to see, to hear, to notice, etc
The car was seen to disappear in the distance.
, .
She was heard to laugh heartily.
, .
denoting mental activity: to think, to consider, to believe, to expect, to suppose, to know, etc.
He was thought to be honest and kind.
. (, )
the verbs: to say, to report, to order, to ask, to allow, to state, to announce.
She is said to be working in a bank.
, .
The delegation is reported to have arrived.
, .
2. word groups: to be likely (), to be unlikely (, ), to be certain/to be sure (, , , ).
3. pairs of synonyms: to see/to appear (, -), to prove/to turn out (), to happen/to chance
().
Neqative forms:
don't seem
doesn't prove + infinitive
didn't happen
is/are not likely + infinitive
He doesnt seem to know this subject.
, , .
He didnt prove to be a very experienced doctor.
.
He didnt happen to be there at that time.
, .
He is not likely to come today.
, , .
Notes:
1. The Infinitive in the C om plex Subject is used in all its forms and expresses:
a) a simultaneous action
He is said to live in London.
, .
b) an action in progress
The water seems to be boiling.
, .
c) an action prior to the action expressed by the finite verb
They are reported to have finished the construction.
, .
2. The infinitive in sentences with the Complex Subject cannot refer to the future except with the verbs and word-groups: to expect, to be sure/certain, to be likely.
We are sure to come to the heart of the matter
.
He is expected to give us an answer tomorrow.
, .
3. If the verbs to prove, to seem/to appear (, ) are followed by adjectives or nouns, the verb to be after them can be omitted.
She proved (to be) very clever.
.
He seems ill.
.
He appears an experienced teacher.
.
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Compare:
He seems ill.
.
He seems to be ill.
, , .
After the verbs in the Passive Voice the Complex Subject is more characteristic of a literary than a colloquial style, except with the verbs to suppose, to expect, to make.
