Dative-infinitive constructions in Russian

The article provides a taxonomy of infinitive constructions both without any particles and with the particles ne and li. It takes into account verbal aspect and delineates the semantic limits of each group. The imperfective types Dat + INFIPF and Dat + nе + INFIPF constitute predictions based upon an omen or conjecture in the first case, and a condition p in the second case. Perfective Dat + nе + INFPF conveys the Speaker’s opinion that the Subject is physically unable to perform V. All the constructions with li and nе + Dat + INFIPF express the Speaker’s opinion that the Subject, of all people, should or should not, can or cannot, perform V. Questions, their limitations and the effect of aspect are discussed separately. Keywords: dative; infinitive; modality; quasi-synonymy; verbal aspect; predictions