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is because in Russian the infinitive attribute can combine with abstract nouns only, while in English it is used
with a much wider range of words. In this function the infinitive always denotes a not yet fulfilled action, which
is regarded as desirable, possible, advisable, necessary, etc. The modal meaning of the infinitive attribute is
generally rendered in Russian by modal verbs or expressions, as is shown by the translations below.
The infinitive attribute can modify:
1. nouns, both abstract and concrete:
Because of his quarrel with his family he was in no position to get the news. (... не мог получить
известий)
The best thing to do would be to go back. (самое лучшее, что можно было сделать ...)
Не is just the man to do it. (он как раз тот человек, который может/должен это сделать)
I suppose there was nothing to he done, but depart. (ничего нельзя было сделать, оставалось только
удалиться)
2. indefinite, negative and universal pronouns in -body, -thing, -
one (one):
Have you anything to offer me? (Вы можете мне что-нибудь предложить?)
Не was someone to admire. (... тот, кем можно восхищаться)
Не had everything to make his life a happy one. (...что могло сделать его счастливым)
Occasionally the infinitive can have the function of an attribute to personal negative and reflexive pronouns
or pronominal adverbs:
I’ve only you to look to.
Oh, but you have only yourself to praise.
Now I had nobody to see, nowhere to go.
3. substantivized ordinal numerals
(especially first),
substantivized adjectives
(next and last).
Jack was the first to come.
She was the last to reach the hall.
4. substantivized quantitative adjectives much, little, (no) more,
(no) less, little more, enough:
A man in your position has so much to lose.
I’ve no more to add.
5. the noun-substitute one:
I am not the one to run about and discuss my affairs with other people. (... кто может ...)
§ 109. The most common form of the infinitive functioning as an attribute is the non-perfect common aspect
active voice form and non-perfect common aspect passive form.
When performing the function of an attribute a “to”- infinitive is always used. If there are two or more
homogeneous attributes the second (and the following) retain to if joined asyndetically, but drop it if joined by
conjunctions.
There was, however, my little Jean to look after, to take care of.
Did he give you any small parcel to bring back and deliver to anyone in England?