The Infinitive can be used in different syntactic functions. We'll discuss here only the most difficult ones for the Russian speakers.
| The Infinitive as a subject. In Russian it can be rendered by an infinitive, a noun, a clause. | To walk in the garden was very pleasant. Гулять в саду было очень приятно. Even to think of it gave him torture. Даже мысль об этом причиняла ему страдание. То be recognized gave her great joy. Когда ее узнавали, она испытывала большую радость. |
| Far more often such sentences open with an introductory subject it(not translated in Russian). | It is useless to discuss this question. Бесполезно обсуждать этот вопрос. |
| The Infinitive as an adverbial modifier of purpose (чтобы...). In this function the Infinitive can be introduced by in order or so as (formal). | То understand the rule better I read it several times. Чтобы лучше понять правило, я прочел его несколько раз. I stayed there to see what would happen. Я остался там, чтобы посмотреть, что произойдет. I invited him in order to tell him the news. I'll write down your telephone number so as not to forgetit. |
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