Основы теории английского языка. Листунова Е.И. - 52 стр.

MORPHOLOGY




                 Unit I.     The Infinitive
      The infinitive is historically a noun derived from a verb stem. In
Old English the infinitive had two separate forms: a) a simple infini-
tive representing the nominative and accusative of the verbal noun
(drincan) and b) an infinitive preceded by to representing the dative
case of the same noun (to drincenne).
      The preposition to denoted direction or purpose (to drincenne =
for the purpose of drinking). In the course of time both suffixes (-an,
-enne) were dropped and we have now one form — drink. In Modern
English the infinitive with to is. much commoner than the bare
infinitive. In most cases the datival meaning is lost and the preposition
to has become merely the sign of the infinitive. But to is even now not
always formal; in some cases it has preserved its full force:
      Janet had gone away to get the bath ready (Dickens) (= with
the purpose of getting the bath ready). The door was partly open to
admit air (Dickens). The old gardener came with a little basket to feed
the doves (Galsworthy).
      Although the infinitive was originally a verbal noun, in the
course of its development it has acquired some characteristics of the
verb and is at present intermediate between verb and noun.

                Verb-Characteristics of the Infinitive

      The infinitive has the following verb-characteristics:
      1. It distinguishes aspect: common and continuous.
      Common: to write, to have written, to be written, to have been
written.
      Continuous: to be writing, to have been writing.
      Common: I want you to give me some information (Londîn).
She must have seen a change in my expression (Snîw).
      Continuous: It was pleasant to be driving the car again (Braine).
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