Page:The king's English (IA kingsenglish00fowlrich).pdf/145

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What accounts for these mistakes is the analogy of forms like: Our design was to return; it is a duty to instruct; man has power to interpret (but the power of interpreting); it is my custom to be dressed.

When, however, the noun thus defined is more or less closely fused into a single idea with the verb that governs it, the infinitive becomes legitimate, though seldom necessary.

Had thoughts means was planning; had a weakness means desired; had the satisfaction, was pleased; made as little scruple, scrupled as little.

Again, an interval between the noun defined and the infinitive or gerund makes the former more tolerable.

The necessity which has confronted the Tokio War Office, to enlarge their views of the requirements of the situation.—Times.

Or the infinitive is used to avoid a multiplication of of.

If the noun has the indefinite article the infinitive is better sometimes.