不定式分句可以在句子中作主語和主語補語、賓語和賓語補語、狀語等。具體而言:
1. 作主語和主語補語:
To finish the work is very easy.
完成這項工作很容易。(=It is very easy to finish the work.)
Last year, the wisest policy was not to interfere any more.去年最明智的政策就是不再干預。
2. 作賓語和賓語補語:
I learned to speak English when I was young. 我小時候就學習說英語了。
The teacher’s greatest wish is to see his student pass the final exam.這個老師最大的心愿就是看到學生們通過期末考試。
My teacher advised me to study abroad for further education.老師建議我留學深造。
3. 作狀語:
(1)表目的:
She opened the window to get more fresh air. 她打開窗戶呼吸更多新鮮空氣。
(2)表結果:
He hurried to the station only to be told that the train had left.
他匆忙趕到車站,結果火車已經走了。
(3)表原因:
I was really lucky to pass the final exam. 能通過考試,我真的很幸運。
I am sorry to hear that news. 聽到這則消息,我感到很抱歉。
由上可知,不定式分句作為一種分句結構,主要有以上三種句法功能。當然,它還可以在名詞詞組中作修飾語,在形容詞詞組中作補足成分,這里就不一一贅述。