Mastering the use of prepositions with infinitives can be quite a challenging aspect of English grammar for many language learners. Unlike many other languages, English has specific rules and idiomatic expressions that dictate the use of prepositions with infinitives. This article aims to demystify this topic and provide clear guidelines and examples to help learners navigate this complex area.
Understanding Infinitives
Before diving into the specifics of prepositions, it is essential to understand what an infinitive is. An infinitive is the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word “to.” For example, in the phrase “to eat,” “to” is the infinitive marker, and “eat” is the base form of the verb. Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs in a sentence.
Infinitive as a Noun
When an infinitive acts as a noun, it can be the subject or object of a sentence. For example:
– To run is enjoyable. (subject)
– I want to eat. (object)
Infinitive as an Adjective
Infinitives can also describe nouns, functioning as adjectives:
– She has a book to read. (describes the noun “book”)
Infinitive as an Adverb
Infinitives can modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, acting as adverbs themselves:
– He went to the store to buy milk. (modifies the verb “went”)
Prepositions and Infinitives
In English, prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other elements in a sentence. Common prepositions include “in,” “on,” “at,” “by,” “with,” “about,” “before,” “after,” and “for.” When these prepositions are used with infinitives, they often follow specific patterns and rules.
Common Prepositions Used with Infinitives
While there are many prepositions in English, some are more commonly used with infinitives. Here are a few important ones:
1. About
– She is about to leave.
2. For
– This is the best place for us to meet.
3. To
– I am going to start a new project.
4. In order to
– He studied hard in order to pass the exam.
5. So as to
– She whispered so as not to wake the baby.
Special Cases and Exceptions
In some cases, certain prepositions are followed by gerunds (the -ing form of a verb) instead of infinitives. For example:
– She is interested in learning French. (Correct)
– She is interested in to learn French. (Incorrect)
Detailed Examples and Usage
To provide a clearer understanding, let’s delve into detailed examples of how prepositions work with infinitives in different contexts.
Using “About” with Infinitives
The preposition “about” is often used to indicate an impending action or event:
– The train is about to depart.
– I was about to call you when you texted.
In these sentences, “about to” introduces an action that is expected to happen soon.
Using “For” with Infinitives
The preposition “for” is commonly used to indicate purpose or suitability:
– This is the perfect place for us to relax.
– He is the best candidate for the job to be done.
In these sentences, “for” introduces the reason or purpose for the action.
Using “To” with Infinitives
The preposition “to” is the most straightforward and frequently used with infinitives. It directly connects the action to its purpose or goal:
– I want to learn Spanish.
– She needs to finish her homework.
In these sentences, “to” serves as the infinitive marker, showing the action’s goal or purpose.
Using “In Order To” with Infinitives
“In order to” is used to express purpose more explicitly and formally:
– He saved money in order to buy a car.
– She practices daily in order to improve her skills.
This construction emphasizes the reason behind the action.
Using “So As To” with Infinitives
“So as to” is another formal expression to indicate purpose, often used in negative constructions:
– She left early so as to avoid traffic.
– He spoke softly so as not to disturb anyone.
This phrase underscores the intention behind the action.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Understanding common mistakes can help you avoid them and use prepositions with infinitives more accurately. Here are some typical errors:
1. Using “to” Instead of “for”
– Incorrect: This is the best place to us to meet.
– Correct: This is the best place for us to meet.
2. Using Gerunds Instead of Infinitives
– Incorrect: She is about leaving.
– Correct: She is about to leave.
3. Omitting the Infinitive Marker “to”
– Incorrect: I want learn Spanish.
– Correct: I want to learn Spanish.
4. Misusing “In Order To”
– Incorrect: He saved money order to buy a car.
– Correct: He saved money in order to buy a car.
5. Misplacing “So As To”
– Incorrect: She left early so as avoid traffic.
– Correct: She left early so as to avoid traffic.
Practice Exercises
To solidify your understanding, let’s do some practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct prepositions and infinitives:
1. She is about ___ (leave) for the airport.
2. This is the right place ___ (meet).
3. He went to the gym ___ (work out).
4. They studied hard ___ (pass) the exam.
5. She spoke softly ___ (not wake) the baby.
Answers:
1. to leave
2. for us to meet
3. to work out
4. in order to pass
5. so as not to wake
Conclusion
Mastering the use of prepositions with infinitives is crucial for achieving fluency in English. While it may seem daunting at first, understanding the specific rules and practicing regularly can make this aspect of grammar more intuitive. Remember, the key is to familiarize yourself with common patterns and idiomatic expressions, and to practice consistently. By doing so, you’ll find yourself using prepositions with infinitives more naturally and accurately.
