(三)作定语。不定式短语作定语时,一般放在被修饰的词之后,有些名词的后面常用不定式作定语。常见的有:ability能力,agreement一致,协议,ambition抱负、野心,anxiety焦急,attempt试图,campaign战役,chance机会,claim声称,courage勇气,decision决定,determination决心,drive努力,eagerness殷切的心情,effort努力,failure失败,hope希望,intention目的意图,motive force动力,movement运动、协议,need需要,opportunity机会,plan计划,promise诺言,readiness乐意,refusal拒绝,reluctance勉强不愿,resolution决心,tendency倾向,right权力,struggle斗争,threat威胁,time时候,way方法,willingness愿意,wish希望。
与这些词相对应的形容词或动词常接动词不定式。如ability →be able to, refusal →refuse to 等。
作定语时不定式表示将要发生的动作。
There is not any one to save him. 没有任何能救他的人。
He’s a not a man to tell lies. 他不是那种撒谎的人。
He’s a man to be trusted 他是个可以信赖的人。
He needs love to strengthen his broken heart. 他需要爱来给他那破碎的心以力量。
I don’t understand his idea to send his son to the Sahara. 我不明白他把儿子送到撒哈拉沙漠的想法。
I need to buy a box to hold my CDs. 我需要买个装CD片的盒子。
This visit is a good opportunity to learn Chinese. 这次访问是学习中文的好机会。
No investigation, no right to speak. 没有调查就没有发言权。
Not to speak much is the best way to avoid trouble. 不多言是避免麻烦的最好办法。
This is a good way to make money. 这是个赚钱的好方法。
We were given some bread to eat. 给了我们一些面包吃。
I’ve a lot of things to take care of in the office today. 今天我办公室里由于很多事情要处理。
Have you got a key to unlock this door? 你有开这个门的钥匙吗?
He needs a place to live in. 他需要有个住的地方。
This is not a pen to write with but to draw with. 这不是写字而是画画用的笔。
I have not a friend to talk with. 我没有能谈心的朋友。
作定语时,也可以给不定式加上主语。例如:
The order for the army to start has been given. 已经发出了让部队开始的命令。
The power for science to serve mankind is limitless. 科学为人类服务的力量是无穷的。
The letter for you to answer is placed on your desk.. 要你回的那封信放在你办公桌上。
(四)作表语。放在系动词之后。
例如:
To gamble is to commit suicide, but not to get rich. 赌博就是自杀,而不是致富。
To criticize others is to make enemies. 批评别人就是树敌。
To do everything is to do nothing. 什么都做等于什么也做不成。
Perhaps the most popular way of relaxing is to participate in sports. 也许最受欢迎的放松方式就是参加体育活动。
This matter is for you to consider. 这个问题是要你考虑的。
These apples are for the guests to eat. 这些苹果是给客人们吃的。
My hope is for all members to come together once a year. 我的希望是所有成员每年聚会一次。
My advice is for you to apologize to her. 我的建议是你向她道歉。
n. 威胁,凶兆
vt. 威胁, 恐吓