In English, the infinitive form of a verb can serve various functions in a sentence, including as a subject, object, complement, or adverbial modifier. The sentence ‘He doesn’t seem to know Mari’ uses the infinitive ‘to know’ in a particular way. The question here is whether this usage is adverbial in nature.
The Role of the Infinitive in ‘He Doesn’t Seem to Know Mari’
In the sentence ‘He doesn’t seem to know Mari,’ the infinitive ‘to know’ acts as a complement to the verb ‘seem.’ It helps explain the nature of the verb ‘seem,’ which in this case expresses an impression or perception. The infinitive phrase ‘to know Mari’ is not functioning as an adverb but as part of a construction that conveys the idea that the subject ‘he’ does not appear to have knowledge of ‘Mari.’
Understanding Adverbial Infinitives
An infinitive is used adverbially when it modifies the verb by providing information about why, how, or under what conditions something happens. For example, in the sentence ‘She ran to the store to buy milk,’ the infinitive ‘to buy milk’ explains the purpose of her running, which is a classic adverbial usage. However, in ‘He doesn’t seem to know Mari,’ the infinitive is not providing this kind of explanatory detail about the verb. Instead, it is part of a verbal phrase that describes the perceived state of knowledge.
Complement vs. Adverbial Usage of the Infinitive
In this case, the infinitive ‘to know’ is a complement, as it completes the meaning of the verb ‘seem.’ A complement generally adds necessary information about the subject or object, while an adverbial modifier adds information related to time, manner, place, or reason. Therefore, the infinitive in the sentence is not adverbial but serves a complementary role in describing the subject’s lack of knowledge.
Conclusion: Infinitive as a Complement, Not Adverbial
To answer the question, the infinitive ‘to know’ in the sentence ‘He doesn’t seem to know Mari’ is not an adverbial infinitive. It functions as a complement to the verb ‘seem,’ helping to convey the idea that the subject does not have knowledge of Mari. Understanding the distinction between complement and adverbial uses of the infinitive is key to mastering its role in English grammar.
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