一、基本用法
不定式作主语时,通常表示一次性、具体的动作或抽象概念,多用于正式表达或强调目的性。其基本结构为:To do sth. + 谓语(单数) + 其他成分
示例:
- To learn a language requires patience.(学习一门语言需要耐心。)
- To finish this project on time is our main goal.(按时完成这个项目是我们的主要目标。)
- To make mistakes is human.(犯错是人之常情。)
注意:谓语动词用单数形式(如 is, requires)。
二、常见结构
1. 形式主语(It ... to do sth.)
在口语和日常写作中,为避免“头重脚轻”,常用 it 作形式主语,真正主语(不定式)后置:
It + 谓语(单数) + to do sth. + 其他
结构 | 示例 |
---|---|
It is + 形容词 + to do | It is important to protect the environment.(保护环境很重要。) |
It is + 名词 + to do | It is a challenge to master a skill.(掌握一项技能是一种挑战。) |
It takes + 时间/精力 + to do | It takes years to become an expert.(成为专家需要多年时间。) |
2. 疑问句中的不定式主语
疑问句中可将不定式前置,但需保持平衡:
- Is it possible to finish this today?(今天有可能完成这个吗?)
- How hard is it to learn Chinese?(学中文有多难?)
3. 不定式主语的否定形式
否定词 not 放在不定式前:
- Not to take action would be irresponsible.(不采取行动是不负责任的。)
- It’s better not to argue with him.(最好不要和他争论。)
三、特殊用法
1. 不定式被动式作主语
强调动作的被动性:
- To be loved is a basic human need.(被爱是人类的基本需求。)
- It’s an honor to be invited to the ceremony.(受邀参加典礼是一种荣誉。)
2. 不定式与动名词作主语的对比
不定式作主语 | 动名词作主语 |
---|---|
强调具体、一次性动作或目的 | 强调习惯性、一般性动作 |
To climb this mountain is dangerous.(爬这座山很危险。) | Climbing mountains is his hobby.(爬山是他的爱好。) |
四、注意事项
- 谓语动词单复数:
不定式作主语时,无论不定式短语多长,谓语动词始终用单数:- To read books and write articles takes time.(读书和写文章需要时间。)
- 避免头重脚轻:
长不定式短语作主语时,优先用 It ... to do 结构:- ❌ To understand the cultural differences between East and West requires extensive study.
- ✅ It requires extensive study to understand the cultural differences.
- 逻辑主语隐含:
不定式作主语时,逻辑主语通常是泛指的“人们”或上下文暗示的对象:- To succeed, one must work hard.(要成功,必须努力。)
五、高频搭配总结
结构 | 示例 |
---|---|
It is + adj. + to do | It is easy to make mistakes. |
It is + n. + to do | It is a pleasure to meet you. |
It takes + ... + to do | It takes courage to speak up. |
It seems + adj. + to do | It seems impossible to win the game. |
重点记忆:
- 不定式作主语多用于正式语境,口语中常用 It ... to do 结构。
- 谓语动词必须用单数形式。
- 否定时在不定式前加 not(not to do)。