不定式在句中做定語(yǔ)通常做后置定語(yǔ),即放在被修飾名詞或代詞后。它通常有以下幾種用法:
(一)不定式常可用來(lái)修飾物,表示要做某事。
如:1、The next train to arrive was from NewYork.下一列到站的火車(chē)是從紐約開(kāi)來(lái)的`。
2、I have nothing to say on this question.在這個(gè)問(wèn)題上,我沒(méi)有什么話要說(shuō)。
3、We are looking for somewhere to live.我們正在找一個(gè)地方住。
(二)不定式還可用來(lái)修飾人。
如:1、He was the first guest to arrive.他是第一個(gè)到達(dá)的客人。
2、Miss Brown was the next person to rise to speak.布朗小姐是下一個(gè)起來(lái)發(fā)言的人。
3、He was a brave man to do what he did.他是個(gè)勇者才有這樣的行為。
(三)很多特定的名詞后也可用不定式做定語(yǔ),這樣的名詞常用的有:way,time,reason,chance,opportunity,need,wish,effort,right,ambition等。
如:1、It's time for you to get up and go to school.你該起床去上學(xué)了。
2、There is no reason to doubt his word.沒(méi)有理由懷疑他的話。
3、They have now an opportunity to go abroad to study further.他們現(xiàn)在有機(jī)會(huì)出國(guó)深造。
(四)某些動(dòng)詞或形容詞后可接不定式時(shí),它相應(yīng)的同根名詞也常用不定式做定語(yǔ)。
如:1、He made an attempt to learn English well.他試圖學(xué)好英語(yǔ)。(attempt to do sth)
2、His ability to get on with people is his chief advantage.他能和人相處是他的主要優(yōu)勢(shì)。(be able to do sth)
3、I don't trust his promise to come for a visit.我不相信他來(lái)訪的諾言。(promise to do sth)
4、Her anxiety to succeed led her to work hard.她迫切想成功,這促使她努力工作。(be anxious to do sth)