UNIT 12: A TRIP TO SPAIN

Norman Garrard is a trainee sales representative. He's 22, and he works for a company that sells toys. He's going to Spain on business. It's his first business trip abroad, and he's packing his suitcase. He lives with his parents, and his mother is helping him, and fussing.

Mrs Garrard Norman... haven't you finished packing yet?

Norman No, Mum. But it's all right. There isn't much to do.

Mrs Garrard Well, I'll give you a hand. Oh, there isn't much room left. Is there anywhere to put your toilet bag?

Norman Yes, yes... it'll go in here. Now, I've got three more shirts to pack... they'll go on top... but there's another pair of shoes to get in. I don't know where to put them.

Mrs Garrard Put them down the side. Right. I think we can close it now.

Norman Right. Where's the label?

Mrs Garrard Which label, dear?

Norman The airline label to put on the suitcase. Ah, here it is.

Mrs Garrard Now, have you got the key?

Norman Which key?

Mrs Garrard The key to lock the case, of course.

Norman It's in the block, Mum. Don't fuss. There's nothing worry about. There's plenty of time.

Mrs Garrard Have you forgotten anything?

Norman I hope not.

Mrs Garrard And you've got a safe pocket to keep your passport in?

Norman Yes, it's in my inside jacket pocket.

Mrs Garrard Have you got a book to read on the plane?

Norman Yes, it's in my briefcase.

Mrs Garrard And has everything been arranged?

Norman What do you mean?

Mrs Garrard Well, is there someone to meet you at the other end?

Norman Oh, yes. The Spanish representative's meeting me at the airport.

Mrs Garrard And you've got somewhere to stay tonight?

Norman I hope so! Now, everything's ready. I'll just have to get some pesetas at the airport. I'll need some small change to tip the porter, but that's all.

Mrs Garrard Well, have a good trip, dear... and look after yourself.

Norman Thanks, Mum.

Mrs Garrard Oh! I nearly forgot! Here are some sweets to suck on the plane, you know, when it's coming down.

Norman Oh, Mum... don't worry. I'll be all right, really! I'll see you next week.

Proper names

Heathrow, Madrid, Norman Garrard, Southampton, Woking.

Grammar notes: NOUN + TO-INFINITIVE

1. In this pattern, the noun is often one that is identical with, or is connected with, a verb that can be used with a to-infinitive.

Ex:

Another attempt to climb the mountain will be made next year (= They will attempt to climb the mountain again next  year).

Anne's desire to please her mother-in-law was clear to all of us (= Anne clearly desired to please her mother-in-law).

You have not kept your promise to write to me more frequently (= You promised to write to me more frequently).

2. The noun is also one that has a corresponding (tõïng öng) adjective that is  used with a to-infinitive.

Ex:

His anxiety to go was obvious (= he was obviously anxious to go)

He was filled with ambition to become famous. (= he was ambitious to become famous)

3. The infinitive may in some cases be looked upon as the equivalent of the relative clause. it is often passive in meaning.

Ex:

He has a large family to support (= that he must support or his family to be supported (passive))

Is this the way to do it? (= in which it should be done (passive))

Expressions

I'll give you a hand

Don't fuse

There is nothing to worry about

There's plenty of time

have a good trip!

Look after yourself!

at the other end

down the side

inside

on top