ESL Blogs

My friends, I see many of you have no idea of such a construction, so let me tell you about it. Its structure is:

                          A Subject + a predicate + the infinitive

We can say, there are two general cases:

1. The predicate is in the passive voice.  We use such a construction if the predicate is one of the verbs denoting sense perception, mental activity, suggestion, consideration, information. Here are some examples:

He is known to be a good football player. (It is known that he is a good football player).

She was heard to say that. (Somebody heard her say that)

The agreement is reported to be signed soon.(It is reported that the agreement is going to be signed).

       This theory is considered to be grounded. (It is considered that this theory is grounded).

The sentences in the brackets are just for you to understand what we mean using the complex subject.

1. The predicate is in the active voice. First of all, we use such a construction with the verbs: SEEM, PROVE, HAPPEN, APPEAR, TURN OUT. Here are the examples:

        You prove not to know nonfinite forms. (You have already demonstrated that).

        The old car turned out to be fast enough. (I haven’t expected that).

We also use this construction with TO BE (UN)LIKELY, TO BE (UN)CERTAIN, TO BE (UN)SURE:

         He is unlikely to win. (He will hardy win).

         I am unsure to be useful with my explanations. (I am not sure my explanations are useful).

All the examples given above describe the simultaneous actions. However, if the action defined by the infinitive was earlier, we should use the perfect form of the infinitive.

        He is said to have been a good goalkeeper. (Some time ago he was a good goalkeeper and we speak about it now).

        You prove to have learned the lesson. (I examine a student and see he has learned).

As usual, you may ask me your questions and post your examples for me to correct and explain them.

Have a great week!