>My students are I are puzzling over analysis of a sentence
>somewhat like this (I simplify it slightly):
>
>        She was supposed to be elated.
 
Carolyn,
 
1. This is a passive sentence.
The corresponding (non-existent) active sentence might be:
        People supposed her    to be elated.
'to be elated' would be an object complement, which makes it a subject
complement in the passive sentence - as you say.
 
2. 'suppose' is a regular  full verb - why should it all of a sudden turn
into some kind of auxiliary, of whatever kind?
 
3. To call 'have to' a semi-auxiliary does not make much sense to me. Just
because it has a meaning similar (but by no means identical) to a true
auxiliary (must)? Or because 'have' can be an auxiliary in some contexts? Or
for what reason?
 
'Have' with a following to-infinitive sentence is a regular full verb -
like, say, 'want to-inf sentence'. The to-inf sentence fills an object slot
like any noun group. 'have to' and 'want to' need 'do' in negative
sentences, questions etc. If they were auxiliaries, they wouldn't.
 
Some examples for illustration:
                                         O (noun groups)
 know. (1305) Lady: What do you WANT a photograph for? (1306) To
Basil: Yes, but Judy and I both HAVE blue eyes. (1673) The child
s to be my mistress. (795) I do HAVE some loyalties. (796) Genera
? (449) General Well - we don't HAVE a mistress on the lawn every
There are many people who don't HAVE the opportunity to do it mor
his, mind you, because we don't HAVE the papers delivered up ther
-----------------------------------------------------------------
                                       O (to-inf sentence)
obert: God knows. (371) I don't WANT to hurt your feelings, 372)
akfast. (1155) General: I don't WANT to shave or bathe. (1156) An
 
it's alright, Tubby, you don't HAVE TO pretend any more. (1160) G
be long. (485) Robert: I don't HAVE TO stay, Les. (486) Lady: Ple
-----------------------------------------------------------------
    "(6708) I think some of our people will want to study you.
     (6709) We WILL WANT TO explore your ability to project like
     that.
 
     (1282) General: Well, I must get going. (1283) I SHALL HAVE
     TO hitch a lift.
 
Burkhard
 
--------------------------------------------------------------------
Burkhard Leuschner - Paedagogische Hochschule Schwaebisch Gmuend, Germany
E-mail: [log in to unmask]           Fax: +49 7383 2212