■ 不定式通常表示動作尚未發生
There was nobody to look after the child.
沒有人照顧這孩子。
There was a large crowd to send him off.
有一大群人要來給他送行。
There was so much to lose that we couldnt take any risks.
可能會有很大的損失,因此我們不能冒險。
■ 當其中的'賓語與其後的不定式為被動關係時,可用主動表被動,也可用被動式:
There is much work to do [to be done].
有許多工作要做。
■ 有時其中的不定式為系表結構:
There is nothing to be afraid of.
沒什麼可怕的。
What was there to be afraid of.
有什麼可怕的?
Theres nothing to be ashamed of.
沒有什麼值得羞愧的。