In this article, we will explore the structure of the sentence “They believe the effect to be so powerful that〜”, particularly focusing on the role of the to-infinitive and how it fits into the sentence.
SVOC Structure: What Does It Mean?
The sentence “They believe the effect to be so powerful that〜” does not follow a simple SVOC (Subject-Verb-Object-Complement) structure. The sentence structure here is slightly more complex. The verb “believe” takes a noun clause as its object. The phrase “the effect to be so powerful” functions as the object of the verb “believe,” with “to be” acting as an infinitive verb.
The Role of the To-Infinitive
The use of the to-infinitive in the sentence is necessary because the verb “believe” requires a clause to follow it. The to-infinitive phrase “to be so powerful” completes the meaning of the verb, indicating the perception or belief regarding the effect. The to-infinitive in this context expresses a state or condition that is believed by the subject (“They”).
Why ‘Effect’ and ‘Powerful’ Together Make Sense
In your question, you wondered if the sentence would still make sense without the to-infinitive. Without it, the sentence would lack the necessary grammatical structure to convey the belief about the effect. ‘Effect so powerful’ alone would not be a complete sentence, as it would lack a verb and would fail to connect with the subject’s belief.
Conclusion
In summary, the sentence “They believe the effect to be so powerful that〜” utilizes a complex structure, where the to-infinitive plays a crucial role in expressing the belief of the subject. Without the to-infinitive, the sentence would be grammatically incomplete. Understanding the use of infinitives in sentences like this one will help in recognizing the deeper grammatical relationships at play.
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