Teacher Discussion Forums

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....!

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.

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...

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