What is an infinitive complement?

Felicity · Post by **Felicity** » Fri Sep 12, 2003 8:19 pm

Hi,

Really need help on this one. I'm teaching in Istanbul, and the course books my school uses has a grammar point on infinitive complements. I've checked with all the other teachers and can't get an explanation that is clear in my own head!

In an imperative sentence such as:

Don't forget to turn the lights off.

What is the complement? and Why is it a complement?!

Felicity, sweating while I wait....!

Casiopea · Post by **Casiopea** » Sat Sep 13, 2003 10:19 am

RE: Infinitive complement (e.g.) Don't forget to turn off the lights.

The infinitive is to turn off and the complement is the entire phrase to turn off the lights.

Roger · Post by **Roger** » Sun Sep 14, 2003 6:12 am

Casiopea is right. You may still wonder why it is called a "complement". To "complement" (don't confuse it with "compliment"!) is some element that completes another element; in your sentence, "don't forget" would be an incomplete sentence; you have to explain WHAT must not be forgotten. The 'what' may be an object ('the oven", "the light") or an entire phrase "to turn off the light!").
I suppose you will understand "complement" better if you understand the first part of your sentence: It has a predicate (but no subject as it is in the imperative form).
That may be too confusing for you...

Felicity · Post by **Felicity** » Thu Sep 18, 2003 8:26 pm

Thanks. That makes sense - except for the predicate part! You're right - too confusing! But I now understand the complement issue!
Cheers!