The Infinitive as Subjective Predicative

§ 192. The infinitive as subjective predicative is always preced
ed by to. It is lexically dependent — it follows a number of transi-
tive verbs used in the passive. The most frequently occurring of
these verbs are: to advise, to allow, to ask, to authorize, to be
lieve, to command, to compel, to consider, to direct, to expect, to
feel, to find, to force, to hear, to impel, to instruct, to intend,
to invite, to know, to leave, to let, to make, to mean, to order,
to permit, to persuade, to presume, to report, to request, to re
quire, to rumour, to say, to schedule, to see, to sentence, to show,
to suppose, to teach, to tell, to tempt, to think, to trust, to under
stand, to watch and some others.

e.g. I have been advised to rest.

He had been heard to discuss the possibility.

I believe they have been instructed to report to you by October.

Douglas was invited to have a drink with a Cabinet Minister.

No doubt no one could be persuaded to give her a job.

The public are requested not to walk on the grass.

He is said to be a good chap.

Note. When the verb to know is used in the Passive and is followed by an in
finitive it may have two meanings — 'to be aware' and 'to experience'. In the
former case the verb to know is found only in the Present or Past Indefinite and is
followed by the infinitive to be.

e.g. You are known to be a preposterously unselfish friend.

Mr Dinis, who was known to be interested in the case, made it clear that he
would proceed with it.

In the latter case the verb to know is found only in the Present and Past Per-
fect and can be followed by other infinitives as well.

e.g. He has been known to drop a hint.

He's been known to take part in the work of different committees.

In the function of subjective predicative the infinitive is often
used in its different analytical forms.

e.g. He was believed to be preparing a report on the incident.

Some professors are known to have disagreed with the au-
thorities on students' demands.

The new system is intended to be applied in a month.
The victim is believed to have been poisoned.

(For comparison with the ing-form see §§ 221 and 240.)