Grammar-Quizzes › Verb Phrases › Verb Complements › Infinitives › "Be" Adjective + Infinitive
"Be" Adjective + Infinitive
Express feelings and reactions
(Be) Adj + that clause vs. (Be) Adj + infinitive clause
| (BE ) ADJ + THAT CLAUSE |
|---|
That + a clause may be used after a particular group of adjectives expressing emotion. |
We are happy that you are here. |
We were pleased that we received the letter. |
They were sad when they heard about his death. |
They were excited when they heard about the birth of her baby. |
| (BE) ADJ + INFINITIVE-CLAUSE |
|---|
An infinitive or infinitive clause may also be used after the verb. |
We are happy to see you here. |
We were pleased to receive the letter. |
They were sad to hear about his death. |
They were excited to hear about the birth of her baby. |
amazed * |
delighted |
lucky |
relieved |
afraid |
disappointed * |
likely |
sad * |
anxious |
determined |
motivated |
shocked * |
ashamed |
eager |
pleased |
stunned * |
astonished * |
fortunate |
prepared |
surprised * |
careful |
glad |
proud |
sorry * |
certain |
happy |
ready |
upset * |
content |
hesitant |
reluctant |
willing |
*These verbs are usually followed by verbs: to see, to learn, to discover, to find out, to hear.
Related pages: Verb+Prep+Gerund and Verbal Idioms ("phrasal verbs").
Common Mistakes
Errors and Solutions
Error and Solution
| ERROR |
|---|
*Ted was surprising to see his computer shutting down. (See Participial Adj) |
*Ted was surprised at seeing his computer shutting down. |
| SOLUTION |
|---|
Ted was surprised to see his computer shutting down. |
Ted was surprised to see his computer shutting down. |
*Yellow highlighted words are examples of incorrect usage.
Related page It / There Subjects
Practice 1
Ted's Secret Admirer
Read the Context
Ted started receiving "I love you" emails, which embarrassed him. He opened a message to find out who his secret admirer was. Shortly after that, Ted was surprised that his computer was operating strangely. The computer was sending messages and he wasn't sending any of them nor could he stop them.
Ted was angry when he found virus-like activity in his computer files. He was upset as he watched the destruction of his files.
Ted called a technician and asked for help. Ted was so relieved to find out that his files were backed-up. Ted was delighted that he could spend his weekend away from his computer while it was being repaired. He would pick it up on Monday and never be interested in an email with the subject "I love you" again.
admirer (N) – secret admirer: a shy person who likes, or is interested in you
backed up (Adj) – saved in another place such as online or on another disk
computer virus (N) – a computer program that can replicate itself[1] and spread from one computer to another
destruction (N) – making useless or bad; killing; breaking down or apart
embarrassed (V) – when someone is feeling socially or personally uncomfortable
"I love you" email – this was an email that many people received, opened and downloaded. Unfortunately, it was not love but destruction!
operate (V) – act, operate, behave
relieved (Adj) – feeling better about something (that you felt bad about earlier)
technician (N) – a person who repairs equipment like computers
Decide on the word form that completes the adjective expression.
- Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence.
- Compare your response to the feedback by clicking the "Check" or the "Check 1-5" button.
Practice 2
Playing Along with Jeopardy
Read for Errors
Whenever we play Jeopardy, Ted is always eager answering before anyone else. He can't stand if he doesn't know the answers. Ted enjoys to get ready for for a Jeopardy game night. Ted is always prepared answer for anyone else who doesn't have the answer right away. Some people are annoying with Ted. His teammates are proud think of answers as well. Sometimes his friends make going another room so they can have a chance to answer. They allow him to stay in the room if he agrees not say ANYTHING!
They are a little sympathetic because they know he is anxious compete. They let him stay if he promises to control himself.
Ted's friends are determined getting him on the Jeopardy show as a contestant. They have him reading about geography, art, authors, presidents, and so on. They were lucky get him into a testing session for the show. Ted's friends were amazed find that he was accepted to compete on the TV show. Ted was both anxious and excited about be on the Jeopardy show.
annoy (V) – bother
compete (V) – play to win (competition)
contestant (N) – a player
refrains from (VP) – keeps from, stops
sympathetic (Adj) – kind, understanding
testing session (N) – a time when they test a person to see if the person would be good on the show: smart with a good personality
Infinitive, gerund or base (bare) verb form?
- Select the response that best completes the sentence.
- Compare your response to the feedback by clicking the "Check" or the "Check 6-20" button.