Somebody to + Vbase

Question

When we use the syntax Somebody + Vbase, should the "somebody" receive the Vbase? (i.e. someone to love).

Can we also use the same syntax to mean that the "somebody" will do the "Vbase"

Consider the following sentences:

1. I need somebody to tell me the truth.
2. I need someone to help me with this.
3. I need someone to love me.

Are the above sentences sound?

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

lagatawWhen we use the syntax Somebody + Vbase, should the "somebody" receive the Vbase? (i.e. someone to love).

All your examples are fine, and "someone / somebody" is the subject of the infinitive phrase, which is the object of the main verb "need".

Contrast
I need/want somebody to love me.

with

I need/want somebody to love.

In the latter, I is the subject of "I need/want to love" and somebody is the object.

CalifJim · Answer

lagatawWhen we use the syntax Somebody + Vbase, should the "somebody" receive the Vbase? (i.e. someone to love).
Can we also use the same syntax to mean that the "somebody" will do the "Vbase"I think I understand what you're asking.

1. An adjectival infinitive can have an object: to love me; to entertain us; to invite me
In this case the construction is active. The preceding noun acts as a subject of the verb in infinitive form.

I need someone to love me.
We're looking for some women to entertain us. [We're looking for some women. These women entertain us.]
Is there anybody to invite me to the party? [Is there anybody such that this person invites me to the party?]

2. The adjectival infinitive can be missing an object: to love; to entertain; to invite
In this case the infinitive has passive force. That is, the preceding noun acts as an object of the verb in infinitive form.

I need someone to love.
We're looking for some women to entertain. [We're looking for some women. These women are entertained by us. (We entertain these women.)]
Is there anybody to invite to the party? [Is there anybody such that this person is invited to the party by someone? (Is there anybody such that we/I invite this person to the party?)

CJ

Lagataw · Answer

Thanks guys.
I just felt "I need somebody to love me" sounded awkward...cuz I almost always hear the syntax "someone + to + Vbase" used to mean a passive sense for the "someone/something" (i.e. someone to share this with, someone to love, someone to hold...Western pop music won't fail to give us examples).
Maybe it felt awkward because the sense or the thought of the sentence kinda made the subject "I" a little pitiful and "pathetic" like Grizabella, the disdained, despised and mocked character in Cats. And people around me wouldn't wanna be the "I" there, that's why I don't get to hear this very often. But in the real world there are a lot of Grizabella's I suppose, so I don't see any reason why this sentence should be wrong.

But CJ's "We need some women to entertain us."sounded ordinary and familiar.

So I figured, the question has clearly been answered and the answer clearly illustrated. I should have explored more possibilities before asking the question. But, really, thanks. That was informative.

P.S.
Should I avoid using the adjective "Western" to describe stuff in Europe and North America (i.e. Western pop music)?

CalifJim · Answer

lagatawShould I avoid using the adjective "Western"

No. I see no reason to do that. It's standard and understandable.

CJ

Somebody to + Vbase

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