Tough-constructions in translation, also known as easy-to-please constructions, connect a matrix noun phrase to a nonsubject gap inside an infinitive. Cambridge’s description of the classic pattern uses examples such as John was easy to convince, The problem was tough to deal with and He is hard to get a straight answer from. In each case the matrix noun phrase supplies the interpretation for an object or prepositional gap inside the infinitive.
People searching for tough construction, tough movement, easy to please syntax, hard to read grammar, object gap infinitive are solving an argument-role problem. John is easy to please does not mean John pleases people easily; it means pleasing John is easy. The problem is hard to solve means solving the problem is hard. Translation precision therefore starts by inserting the matrix NP into the lower gap and asking who performs the infinitival action.
This article owns the tough-construction / easy-to-please precision layer for eduKateSG. It does not replace ordinary Raising/Control, ECM, Preposition Stranding, Relative Clauses or Small Clauses. Its narrow task is to preserve the matrix NP’s lower nonsubject role, the adjective’s evaluative meaning and the implicit/generic agent of the infinitive.
Quick Read
Paraphrase every tough sentence as ‘It is ADJECTIVE for someone to VERB MATRIX-NP’ or the equivalent full lower relation. Mark LOWER AGENT and LOWER GAP ROLE separately. Then generate the target’s own tough, impersonal or finite construction.
One-Sentence Answer
Translate tough-constructions by treating the matrix subject as the understood object or prepositional complement inside the infinitive, not as the infinitive’s agent.
Why This Precision Layer Matters
The surface matrix subject encourages the wrong semantic instinct. A model can see John is easy to please and assign John the role of pleaser, or see the chair is easy to sit on and drop on. Reconstructing the lower clause exposes the correct role immediately.
What a Tough-Construction Is
The first task is to reconstruct the nonsubject gap inside the infinitive. A tough-construction is a pattern such as ‘John is easy to please’ or ‘The problem is hard to solve,’ where a matrix noun phrase is interpreted as the missing nonsubject argument inside an infinitive. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is treating the matrix noun phrase as the semantic subject of the infinitive. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to identify the gap inside the infinitival clause and link it to the matrix NP. For example, John is the person whom someone pleases; the problem is what someone solves. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Easy-to-Please Construction
This construction evaluates an event relation involving the matrix NP. The traditional label easy-to-please highlights the adjective + infinitive pattern in which the infinitive contains a gap interpreted through the matrix subject. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is translating easy as describing John’s ability or willingness rather than the ease of performing the infinitival action on John. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to paraphrase ‘it is easy to V NP’. For example, John is easy to please ≈ it is easy to please John. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Tough Movement
A precise translation distinguishes the lower agent from the matrix noun phrase. The term tough movement refers to syntactic analyses in which the matrix NP is related to a lower gap in the infinitive. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is treating the name movement as a translation instruction rather than a theoretical label. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to focus on the observable interpretation. For example, whether or not one adopts literal movement, John corresponds to the object gap of please. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
The Matrix NP
The target may replace tough syntax with an impersonal ‘it is easy/hard to…’ construction. The matrix noun phrase appears as subject of the adjective phrase or copular clause but semantically fills a lower nonsubject role. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is assigning two unrelated roles to the NP. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to write MATRIX SUBJECT + LOWER GAP ROLE. For example, the book is matrix subject but object of read. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
The Infinitival Gap
Prepositions, voice and modality must survive the reconstruction. The infinitive contains an unspoken object, prepositional complement or another nonsubject position linked to the matrix NP. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is supplying an arbitrary pronoun or generic object in the infinitive. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to reconstruct the infinitive with the matrix NP inserted. For example, hard to read __ → hard to read the book. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Nonsubject Gap
The first task is to reconstruct the nonsubject gap inside the infinitive. Classic tough-constructions involve a nonsubject gap inside the infinitive. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is interpreting the matrix subject as the doer of the infinitive. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to test who performs versus who undergoes/relates to the infinitival action. For example, John is easy to convince does not mean John convinces someone easily. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Object Gaps
This construction evaluates an event relation involving the matrix NP. Direct-object gaps are common: easy to read, hard to convince, impossible to ignore. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is translating the matrix NP as agent. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to restore the NP after the verb in a full paraphrase. For example, this article is easy to read = it is easy to read this article. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Prepositional Gaps
A precise translation distinguishes the lower agent from the matrix noun phrase. The lower gap can be the complement of a preposition: hard to talk to, easy to work with, difficult to get information from. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is dropping the preposition when reconstructing the lower relation. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to identify the verb/preposition frame. For example, John is hard to talk to means talk to John. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Preposition Stranding
The target may replace tough syntax with an impersonal ‘it is easy/hard to…’ construction. English tough-constructions commonly allow preposition stranding inside the infinitive. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is moving the preposition away or deleting it when translating. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to reconstruct the full prepositional relation before target syntax. For example, a chair easy to sit on corresponds to sit on the chair. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Adjective Meaning
Prepositions, voice and modality must survive the reconstruction. Adjectives such as easy, hard, tough, difficult, impossible, pleasant or dangerous can evaluate how easy/difficult/desirable the infinitival relation is. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is translating the adjective as an inherent property of the matrix NP unrelated to the infinitive. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to combine adjective scale with lower event. For example, a problem is difficult because solving the problem is difficult. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Ease and Difficulty
The first task is to reconstruct the nonsubject gap inside the infinitive. The construction often expresses a scalar evaluation of performing the lower action on/with the matrix NP. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is turning ease into ability of the NP. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to ask whose action is evaluated. For example, the book is easy to read describes the reading event, not the book’s reading ability. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Evaluative Adjectives
This construction evaluates an event relation involving the matrix NP. Some adjectives encode pleasantness, desirability or danger rather than pure difficulty. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is flattening all tough predicates to easy/hard. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to preserve the adjective’s specific evaluative dimension. For example, the trail is dangerous to cross evaluates risk. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Experiencer Interpretation
A precise translation distinguishes the lower agent from the matrix noun phrase. An implicit human experiencer or agent of the infinitive is often generic or contextually supplied. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is inventing a specific person who performs the action. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to leave the implicit agent generic unless context identifies one. For example, the book is easy to read means generally/evaluatively easy for relevant readers. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
For-Phrases
The target may replace tough syntax with an impersonal ‘it is easy/hard to…’ construction. English can make the implicit agent explicit with a for-phrase in related constructions: easy for children to read. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is misidentifying children as the matrix NP gap filler. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to distinguish infinitive subject from lower object gap. For example, this book is easy for children to read __: children read; book is read. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Agent vs Gap Filler
Prepositions, voice and modality must survive the reconstruction. A tough sentence can therefore contain both an overt infinitival subject/agent and the matrix NP linked to the object gap. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is assigning the same semantic role to both. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to write LOWER SUBJECT and LOWER GAP separately. For example, for students to solve __: students = solvers, problem = solved item. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Pronouns
The first task is to reconstruct the nonsubject gap inside the infinitive. Pronoun case in paraphrases can reveal the lower role even though the matrix form is nominative. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is using matrix nominative form inside the lower paraphrase mechanically. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to apply target case in the lower clause. For example, he is easy to please → it is easy to please him. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Passive-Like Interpretation
This construction evaluates an event relation involving the matrix NP. Tough-constructions can resemble passives semantically because the matrix NP is affected by a lower action, but they are not ordinary passive morphology. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is translating them as passive clauses and losing the ease/difficulty evaluation. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to preserve adjective + event relation. For example, the book is easy to read is not simply the book is read. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Tough vs Passive
A precise translation distinguishes the lower agent from the matrix noun phrase. A passive says that an event occurs or presents its patient; a tough-construction evaluates the potential/character of carrying out an event involving the NP. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is collapsing evaluation into event assertion. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to test whether the sentence entails the action happened. For example, the book is easy to read does not entail anyone read it. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Tough vs Raising
The target may replace tough syntax with an impersonal ‘it is easy/hard to…’ construction. Standard raising links a matrix subject to the subject position of an infinitive: John seems to be tired. Tough syntax links the matrix NP to a nonsubject gap: John is easy to please. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is treating both as subject-to-subject dependencies. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to identify the lower role. For example, tired has John as lower subject; please has John as lower object. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Tough vs Control
Prepositions, voice and modality must survive the reconstruction. Control constructions have an understood infinitive subject controlled by a matrix argument; tough-constructions have an independent lower subject plus a gap linked to the matrix NP. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is assuming John controls the subject of please. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to ask who pleases whom. For example, John is easy [PRO to please __] has generic/implicit pleaser, not John as pleaser. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Tough vs ECM
The first task is to reconstruct the nonsubject gap inside the infinitive. ECM places an embedded subject in object-like matrix case: believe him to be honest. Tough-constructions make the matrix subject correspond to a lower nonsubject gap. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is mapping tough sentences to believe-type object+infinitive patterns. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to separate lower subject from lower gap. For example, the problem is hard to solve has problem as object of solve. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Tough vs Relative Clauses
This construction evaluates an event relation involving the matrix NP. Relative clauses also link an external noun to a gap, but tough-constructions contain adjective evaluation and infinitival syntax. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is translating ‘easy to read’ as a relative ‘that is read’ and losing modality/evaluation. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to preserve event difficulty and infinitive. For example, the book that I read differs from the book is easy to read. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Tough vs Purpose Infinitives
A precise translation distinguishes the lower agent from the matrix noun phrase. Purpose infinitives express intended function: a book to read, a chair to sit on; tough-constructions predicate an adjective about ease/difficulty of the relation. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is assuming every NP + adjective + infinitive is purpose. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to identify adjective predication. For example, easy to read is evaluative, not purpose. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Tough vs Infinitival Relatives
The target may replace tough syntax with an impersonal ‘it is easy/hard to…’ construction. A chair to sit on has a gap but functions as a relative-like modifier; a chair is comfortable/easy to sit on is a tough/evaluative construction. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is collapsing both gap types. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to check matrix adjective and clause function. For example, the copular adjective provides the tough predicate. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Tough vs Small Clauses
Prepositions, voice and modality must survive the reconstruction. Small clauses contain local subject–predicate mini-propositions; tough constructions involve an adjective and infinitive with a long dependency to a gap. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is treating easy to please as simply predicating easy of John without reconstructing please John. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to include the lower event in the interpretation. For example, John’s ease is specifically ease of pleasing John. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Lexical Restrictions
The first task is to reconstruct the nonsubject gap inside the infinitive. Not every adjective freely enters a tough-construction even if semantically related. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is generating unnatural target patterns through direct adjective substitution. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to check target lexical compatibility. For example, easy/hard/difficult are productive, but other adjectives require different syntax. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Verb Restrictions
This construction evaluates an event relation involving the matrix NP. The infinitival verb must allow an appropriate nonsubject gap relation with the matrix NP. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is forcing a tough reading with an intransitive verb that provides no relevant gap. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to reconstruct valency. For example, easy to sleep does not link a matrix NP object in the same way unless a PP relation is added. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Idioms
A precise translation distinguishes the lower agent from the matrix noun phrase. Tough movement has been used in theoretical diagnostics involving idiomatic expressions, but target translation should preserve idiomatic meaning rather than the analysis. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is literalizing idiom pieces because of the gap dependency. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to reconstruct idiom with the matrix NP where appropriate. For example, idiom preservation can constrain acceptable paraphrases. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Reflexives and Binding
The target may replace tough syntax with an impersonal ‘it is easy/hard to…’ construction. Reflexive interpretation can be sensitive to the hidden lower position. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is resolving pronouns only from surface matrix position. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to test binding in the reconstructed infinitive. For example, the gap’s syntactic relation can matter for target reflexive choices. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Scope
Prepositions, voice and modality must survive the reconstruction. Quantifiers in the matrix NP or infinitive can create scope interactions. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is assuming the matrix subject always takes widest scope. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to reconstruct the lower proposition before deciding target quantifier order. For example, every book is easy to read can have general evaluative readings. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Negation
The first task is to reconstruct the nonsubject gap inside the infinitive. Negation can apply to the adjective/evaluation or lower infinitive in different structures. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is moving not into the wrong domain. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to bracket the source. For example, not easy to read differs from easy not to read. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Modality and Genericity
This construction evaluates an event relation involving the matrix NP. Tough-constructions often describe dispositional or generic ease/difficulty rather than a specific completed event. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is translating them as actual events. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to preserve potential/dispositional interpretation. For example, easy to break does not mean broken. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Temporal Interpretation
A precise translation distinguishes the lower agent from the matrix noun phrase. The infinitive is usually tenseless/relative, with time inferred from context. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is assigning a fixed present or past event unnecessarily. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to keep temporal interpretation generic or context-linked. For example, was hard to solve may describe past evaluation without asserting a solution occurred. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Historical Development
The target may replace tough syntax with an impersonal ‘it is easy/hard to…’ construction. English easy-to-please constructions have a documented historical development and have been analyzed extensively in the history of English syntax. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is treating all older English examples as identical to modern grammar. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to respect historical stage and source usage. For example, diachronic surface patterns can differ from current norms. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Current Syntactic Debate
Prepositions, voice and modality must survive the reconstruction. Recent Cambridge-published work revisits the surface syntax of easy-type adjective constructions and distinguishes simple adjective+single-infinitive strings from structurally more complex variants. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is turning one theoretical analysis into a translation requirement. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to preserve the observable gap relation and adjective meaning. For example, translation does not need to decide whether a lexical or syntactic derivation is correct. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Prenominal Uses
The first task is to reconstruct the nonsubject gap inside the infinitive. Some easy-type adjective+infinitive sequences can appear prenominally under restricted conditions in analyses of English. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is assuming any prenominal string has the same tough syntax as predicative clauses. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to check construction and lexicalization. For example, easy-to-read book has related but not identical surface behavior to the book is easy to read. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Hyphenated Adjective Compounds
This construction evaluates an event relation involving the matrix NP. Easy-to-read, hard-to-find and user-friendly-like compounds can lexicalize or conventionalize the same general relation. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is translating every hyphenated compound through a full clause. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to choose natural target adjective/relative/compound. For example, hard-to-find item means an item difficult to find. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Translation into English
A precise translation distinguishes the lower agent from the matrix noun phrase. English productively supports tough-constructions and often gives the clearest target for equivalent source evaluation structures. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is over-expanding every source into ‘it is easy to…’ and losing stylistic compactness. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to use the direct tough form when natural. For example, this book is easy to understand is concise. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Translation into Languages Without Tough Movement
The target may replace tough syntax with an impersonal ‘it is easy/hard to…’ construction. A target may prefer an impersonal construction, finite clause, passive-like adjective or explicit experiencer. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is copying English matrix-subject/gap syntax into an ungrammatical target. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to translate the event evaluation compositionally. For example, ‘it is easy to read this book’ can replace ‘this book is easy to read’. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Legal and Technical Text
Prepositions, voice and modality must survive the reconstruction. Expressions such as difficult to verify, easy to access, impossible to modify can describe operational properties without asserting the underlying action occurred. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is translating them as completed passive events. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to preserve dispositional/evaluative force. For example, data difficult to access need not have been accessed. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
User Instructions and UX
The first task is to reconstruct the nonsubject gap inside the infinitive. Easy to use, hard to find and simple to configure are common product/UX phrases. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is assigning agency to the product. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to preserve user-action evaluation. For example, the interface is easy to use = users can use it easily. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
AI Agent-Reversal Error
This construction evaluates an event relation involving the matrix NP. Models can misread the matrix NP as the agent of the infinitive. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is reversing who does what. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to insert the matrix NP into the gap position during analysis. For example, John is easy to please → someone pleases John. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
AI Event-Assertion Error
A precise translation distinguishes the lower agent from the matrix noun phrase. Models can convert dispositional evaluation into a claim that the event actually occurred. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is changing potential into fact. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to keep generic/evaluative aspect. For example, easy to break does not entail broken. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
AI Preposition Loss
The target may replace tough syntax with an impersonal ‘it is easy/hard to…’ construction. In PP-gap tough constructions, models can drop the stranded preposition. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is changing valency and meaning. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to reconstruct the complete lower PP. For example, hard to talk to / easy to work with must preserve to/with relation. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Back-Translation Tough Check
Prepositions, voice and modality must survive the reconstruction. A final audit should recover the matrix NP, adjective, lower subject/agent and nonsubject gap relation. Tough syntax is theoretically debated, but translation can remain grounded in the observable relation between the matrix NP and the lower gap.
The main translation risk is checking only that easy/hard remains. Because the matrix NP is surface subject, English-oriented parsing can wrongly make it the infinitive’s agent. Full lower-clause paraphrase prevents role reversal and lost prepositions.
A practical diagnostic is to write MATRIX NP + ADJECTIVE + LOWER AGENT + LOWER GAP ROLE. For example, translation succeeds when the same entity is evaluated through the same infinitival relation. Once agent, gap role and evaluative adjective are stable, choose the target’s most natural construction.
Worked Examples
Worked Example 1: Object Gap
Source problem: ‘The book is easy to read.’
Diagnosis: Book is object of read; reader is implicit/generic.
Target strategy: Paraphrase: it is easy to read the book.
Verification: Do not interpret the book as doing the reading.
Worked Example 2: Human Object
Source problem: ‘John is hard to convince.’
Diagnosis: John is object of convince; another person would convince him.
Target strategy: Target must preserve difficulty of convincing John.
Verification: Do not translate as John has difficulty convincing others.
Worked Example 3: Prepositional Gap
Source problem: ‘This chair is comfortable/easy to sit on.’
Diagnosis: Chair is complement of on in sit on the chair.
Target strategy: Preserve the preposition or equivalent target relation.
Verification: Do not reduce to sit the chair.
Worked Example 4: Explicit Infinitive Agent
Source problem: ‘This book is easy for children to read.’
Diagnosis: Children are lower agents; book is lower object gap.
Target strategy: Target must preserve both roles.
Verification: Do not make the book easy for children in an unrelated sense.
Practical Diagnostic Workflow
Create a TOUGH CARD: MATRIX NP; ADJECTIVE; INFINITIVE; LOWER AGENT; GAP ROLE=OBJECT/PP/OTHER; PREPOSITION; EVENT ACTUAL OR DISPOSITIONAL; FOR-PHRASE; NEGATION; TARGET STRATEGY. Insert the matrix NP into the gap before translation.
Run the impersonal paraphrase test: ‘MATRIX NP is ADJ to V’ → ‘It is ADJ to V MATRIX NP’ (plus the correct preposition/agent). If the paraphrase preserves the intended meaning, the tough analysis is likely.
Verification Method
Back-read the target and ask who performs the lower action and who/what is affected or related to it. Then ask whether the sentence evaluates ease/difficulty/risk rather than asserting the event occurred. Check every stranded preposition.
Recovery Method
If agency reversed, reinsert the matrix NP into the lower gap and rebuild. If the target asserted an actual event, restore dispositional/evaluative wording. If a preposition disappeared, reconstruct the verb–preposition frame before generating the target.
Quality-Assurance Checklist
- Identify matrix NP.
- Identify adjective meaning.
- Identify lower infinitival agent.
- Identify nonsubject gap role.
- Restore stranded prepositions.
- Preserve evaluative/dispositional meaning.
- Do not assert event occurrence.
- Distinguish tough syntax from raising.
- Distinguish tough syntax from control.
- Distinguish tough syntax from ECM.
- Distinguish tough syntax from relatives/purpose infinitives.
- Check for-phrases.
- Check negation and scope.
- Audit AI agent reversal.
- Audit AI event assertion and preposition loss.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a tough-construction?
A construction such as ‘the book is easy to read’ where the matrix NP is interpreted at a nonsubject gap inside the infinitive.
Why is ‘John is easy to please’ not about John pleasing people?
Because John fills the object gap of please; the implicit/generic agent is the person doing the pleasing.
What is tough movement?
A traditional/theoretical label for the dependency between the matrix NP and the lower infinitival gap.
Can the gap follow a preposition?
Yes. ‘He is hard to get an answer from’ and ‘the chair is easy to sit on’ contain prepositional gap relations.
How is tough syntax different from raising?
Standard raising links the matrix subject to the lower subject position; tough constructions link it to a lower nonsubject gap.
Does ‘easy to break’ mean something has broken?
No. It typically describes a disposition or ease of causing the event, not an actual completed breaking event.
Can the infinitive have an explicit subject?
Yes, as in ‘This book is easy for children to read,’ where children are lower agents and book is the object gap.
Why does AI mistranslate tough constructions?
Surface subject position tempts models to make the matrix NP the infinitive’s agent, and stranded prepositions are easy to drop.
Where This Fits in the eduKate Translation Architecture
Route standard subject raising/control contrasts to the Complement Clauses/Raising owners; object-like infinitival subjects to Exceptional Case Marking; stranded prepositions to Preposition Stranding and Pied-Piping; local subject–predicate mini-clauses to Small Clauses and Secondary Predication.
Final Principle
In a tough-construction, the matrix NP looks like a subject but semantically completes a lower nonsubject gap. Reconstruct the infinitive with that NP in place, preserve the adjective’s evaluation, and never let surface position reverse who does what.