Основы теории английского языка. Листунова Е.И. - 53 стр.

       2. The infinitive has tense-forms: indefinite and perfect. As has already
been stated the tenses of the infinitive comprise relative time indication.
       Common aspect:
       Indefinite Infinitive: to write, to be written Perfect Infinitive: to
have written, to have been written.
       Continuous aspect:
       Non-Perfect Continuous Infinitive: to be writing Perfect Con-
tinuous Infinitive: to have been writing:
       a) The indefinite infinitive indicates that the action expressed
by the infinitive is simultaneous with the action of the finite form of
the verb in the sentence:
       I saw a lizard dart on that rock (Lawrence). I’ve often heard him tell
the tale (Jerome). She hears him catch up his hat and cloak, and hurry
out into the rain... (Kingsley). Ben had tried once before... to show the
boy how to fly a plane (Aldridge). He helped me to alight from the
carriage... (Bronte).
       In connection with the present tense of such verbs as to expect,
to hope, to intend, to want, etc. the indefinite infinitive refers to an
action in the future:
       I want you to give me some information (London). He wanted
to tell her of the incident... (Cronin). I wish you to be happy... (Dick-
ens). I promised to obey... (Bronte).
       When associated with modal (defective) verbs and their equiva-
lents (± o have or to be followed by an infinitive), the indefinite
infinitive may also refer to a future action:
       I must go and see him in a day or two (Conrad). May I come
again...? (Eliot). ...You must come and see his work (Galsworthy).
What am I to do? (Dickens). Let’s have tea-she has to catch
a train (Galsworthy).
       The non-perfect continuous form of the infinitive shows an action
in its progress at the time when the action expressed by the finite form
of the verb takes place: Irene’s li ps moved; ‘she seemed to be saying:
«Where shall I go?» (Galsworthy). She seemed to be listening (Gals-
worthy). It’s extremely funny for me to be consoling you (Snow).
       b) The perfect infinitive shows that the action expressed by the
infinitive precedes the action indicated by the finite form of the verb:
       I’m very glad to have seen you again, Mrs. Vidler (Cronin). I’m
sorry to have been of so little assistance (Shaw). ...An age seemed to
have elapsed since the day which brought me first to Lowood... (Bronte).

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