Infinitive Complements

Infinitive: to+ simple form of any verb. Example: To play, to study, to practice. The infinitive is used after certain adjectives and nouns, to complete the sentence (the predicate). The infinitive is usually used in a sentence, with it + be before. In this case it is an empty subject and it means the same as the infinitive complement of the sentence:

Your friend: What should I do for a cold? You: Its a good idea to take some vitamin C What should you do for a cold?

It's important to drink fluids. It's important that you drink fluids. That you drink fluids is important. Drinking fluids is important.

Example of a short conversation: A: What should you do for a sore throat? B: Its a good idea to get some medicine from the drugstore. C: Yes, and its important to drink lots of liquids. D: Well, I think its useful to

It is important to get some rest. It is a good idea to take vitamin C.

What should you do for a cold? -Its important to get a lot of rest. -Its sometimes helpful to eat garlic soup. -Its a (very) good idea to take some vitamin C. -Its sometimes useful to get some cold medicine.

Choose several pieces of good advice For each problem Problems 1. a sore throat 2. a cough 3. a headache 4. a fever 5. a toothache 6. a bad headache 7. a burn 8. the flu

Suggestion (advice) a. take some vitamin C. b. put some ointment on it. c. drink lots of liquid. d. go to bed and rest. e. put a heating pad on it. f. put it under cold water. g. take some aspirin h. get some medicine from the drugstore. i. see the dentist. j. see the doctor

Now, youre going to do eight exercises (sentences) using problems and suggestions (advice) above For example: What should I do if I have a sore throat? You should drink lots of liquid, going to bed and rest