When it comes to mastering English, one of the areas that often causes confusion is the use of *infinitive verbs* after prepositions. This topic is particularly tricky because English doesn’t always follow the same patterns as some other languages, especially those that learners might already be familiar with. Understanding how and when to use infinitive verbs after prepositions can significantly improve your fluency and grammatical accuracy.
Understanding Infinitives
Before diving into the specifics of using *infinitive verbs* after prepositions, it’s essential to understand what an infinitive verb is. An infinitive verb is the base form of a verb, often preceded by the word “to.” Examples include “to eat,” “to run,” and “to be.” Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs within a sentence.
Infinitives vs. Gerunds
One common point of confusion is the difference between *infinitives* and *gerunds*. While infinitives are the base form of the verb preceded by “to,” gerunds are verbs that end in “-ing” and function as nouns. For example, “eating” and “running” are gerunds. Both forms can often be used after verbs, adjectives, and nouns, but their use after prepositions is where things get tricky.
General Rule: Gerunds After Prepositions
In English, the general rule is that *gerunds* are used after prepositions. For example:
– She is interested in learning new languages.
– They talked about going to the beach.
– He apologized for being late.
In these examples, the gerunds “learning,” “going,” and “being” are used after the prepositions “in,” “about,” and “for,” respectively.
Exceptions: Infinitives After Prepositions
While the general rule is to use gerunds after prepositions, there are some exceptions where infinitives are used instead. These exceptions are often idiomatic and need to be memorized. Here are some common scenarios where infinitives follow prepositions:
1. Prepositional Phrases of Purpose
In phrases that indicate purpose, the infinitive form is often used after prepositions such as “in order to” or simply “to.” For example:
– They went to the library to study.
– She saved money in order to buy a new car.
In these sentences, “to study” and “in order to buy” express the purpose of the action.
2. Adjective + Preposition Combinations
Certain adjective-preposition combinations are followed by infinitives. Some common examples include:
– She is eager to learn.
– He was happy to help.
– They are ready to leave.
In these cases, the adjectives “eager,” “happy,” and “ready” are followed by the infinitives “to learn,” “to help,” and “to leave,” respectively.
3. Noun + Preposition Combinations
Some noun-preposition combinations are also followed by infinitives. For example:
– He had no reason to complain.
– There is a need to improve the system.
– She has a tendency to exaggerate.
Here, the nouns “reason,” “need,” and “tendency” are followed by the infinitives “to complain,” “to improve,” and “to exaggerate.”
4. Infinitives After “Than” and “As”
When “than” and “as” function as prepositions, they are often followed by infinitives. For instance:
– It is better to give than to receive.
– She is as likely to succeed as he is.
In these examples, “to give” and “to receive” follow “than,” and “to succeed” follows “as.”
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Mastering the use of *infinitive verbs* after prepositions can be challenging, but being aware of common mistakes can help you avoid them.
1. Using Gerunds Instead of Infinitives
Learners often mistakenly use gerunds instead of infinitives after certain prepositions. For example:
– Incorrect: She is eager learning.
– Correct: She is eager to learn.
To avoid this mistake, memorize the adjective-preposition and noun-preposition combinations that are followed by infinitives.
2. Omitting “To” Before the Infinitive
Another common error is omitting “to” before the infinitive in phrases that require it. For example:
– Incorrect: They went to the library study.
– Correct: They went to the library to study.
Remember that the infinitive form includes “to.”
3. Overgeneralizing the Rule
While it’s helpful to understand the general rule that gerunds follow prepositions, overgeneralizing this rule can lead to mistakes. For example:
– Incorrect: He had no reason complaining.
– Correct: He had no reason to complain.
Pay attention to the exceptions where infinitives are required.
Practice Makes Perfect
The best way to master the use of *infinitive verbs* after prepositions is through practice. Here are some exercises to help you get started:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Complete the following sentences by choosing the correct form of the verb (infinitive or gerund):
1. She is looking forward to __________ (meet) her new colleagues.
2. He is excited __________ (start) his new job.
3. They are thinking about __________ (move) to a new city.
4. She had no choice but __________ (leave).
5. He is interested in __________ (learn) more about the project.
Exercise 2: Correct the Mistakes
Identify and correct the mistakes in the following sentences:
1. She is eager learning new skills.
2. They went to the park have a picnic.
3. He had no reason complaining.
4. She is ready leaving.
5. It is better give than receive.
Exercise 3: Create Your Own Sentences
Create your own sentences using the following prompts, ensuring you use the correct form of the verb:
1. Adjective + Preposition + Infinitive (e.g., happy to help)
2. Noun + Preposition + Infinitive (e.g., reason to believe)
3. Purpose (e.g., in order to succeed)
Conclusion
Using *infinitive verbs* after prepositions can be a challenging aspect of English grammar, but understanding the rules and exceptions can make it more manageable. Remember that while gerunds typically follow prepositions, there are several important exceptions where infinitives are required. By studying these patterns and practicing regularly, you can improve your grammatical accuracy and fluency in English. Keep practicing, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are an essential part of the learning process.
