Infinitive / da Clauses
One Subject or Two
An infinitive often shares an understood actor with its governing expression. A da-clause has a finite verb and can make a different subject explicit.
How It Works
With a subject-control verb such as željeti, the infinitive’s actor is normally the main subject: Ana želi putovati. The ending on želi identifies Ana as the person wanting; she is also the understood traveller.
A finite complement permits a separate subject: Ana želi da Marko putuje s njom. Its verb agrees with Marko. The da-clause expresses the separate actor clearly.
The governing verb matters. Some verbs require finite complements; others take infinitives, and some allow both. There are also object-control constructions, so “an infinitive always has the main subject” would be too broad a rule.
Examples (3)
- Želim završiti posao prije ručka.
I want to finish the work before lunch.
- Želim da Petra završi posao prije ručka.
I want Petra to finish the work before lunch.
- Ana je odlučila ostati, ali želi da mi odemo.
Ana has decided to stay, but she wants us to leave.
How It Connects
Learn This First
An infinitive commonly shares the subject; a finite da clause can introduce a different actor.
Related Patterns
- Personal and Impersonal trebatiTwo Ways to Express Need
Trebati also distinguishes participants and kinds of complement.
Level 4 - Object Clauses With kakoReporting a Perceived Event
Finite perception clauses can describe their own subject.
Level 4 - Avoiding a Dangling Participle
Verbal adverbs have a separate subject-control requirement.
Level 6
Words in This Pattern
Practice Infinitive / da Clauses in Bubblegum
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