Learning how to use prepositions correctly is a crucial part of mastering any language, and English is no exception. Prepositions are small but mighty words that can significantly change the meaning of a sentence. When combined with infinitive verbs, they can create phrases that are essential for everyday communication. This article will explore some of the most common prepositions used with infinitive verbs in English, providing examples and explanations to help you understand how to use them effectively.
Prepositions with Infinitive Verbs: An Overview
Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words within a sentence. They often indicate relationships of time, place, direction, cause, manner, and instrumentality. When prepositions are combined with infinitive verbs, they help to clarify the action or intention of the verb.
An infinitive verb is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word “to.” For example, “to eat,” “to run,” and “to be” are infinitive verbs. When these infinitives are used after certain prepositions, they form constructions that are essential for expressing ideas clearly and accurately in English.
Common Prepositions Used with Infinitive Verbs
There are several prepositions that are commonly used with infinitive verbs. Let’s explore some of the most frequently encountered ones:
1. “About”
The preposition “about” is often used with infinitive verbs to indicate a subject or topic of concern. It is commonly used after verbs that express thinking, talking, or planning.
Examples:
– “He is thinking about to move to a new city.”
– “They were talking about to start a new project.”
– “She is worried about to fail the exam.”
In these examples, the preposition “about” helps to specify what the person is thinking, talking, or worrying about.
2. “To”
The preposition “to” is perhaps the most commonly used preposition with infinitive verbs. It is often used to indicate purpose, intention, or direction.
Examples:
– “She went to to buy groceries.”
– “He is trying to to learn a new language.”
– “They decided to to travel to Europe.”
In these sentences, “to” is used to show the purpose or intention behind the action.
3. “For”
The preposition “for” is frequently used with infinitive verbs to indicate the reason or purpose of an action. It often answers the question “why.”
Examples:
– “She went to the store for to buy milk.”
– “He studied hard for to pass the exam.”
– “They met for to discuss the new project.”
In these examples, “for” helps to explain the reason or purpose behind the actions.
4. “Of”
The preposition “of” is used with infinitive verbs to indicate possession, belonging, or a specific aspect of something.
Examples:
– “She has a habit of to bite her nails.”
– “He has a fear of to speak in public.”
– “They have a chance of to win the competition.”
In these sentences, “of” helps to specify the particular aspect or quality being described.
Complex Uses of Prepositions with Infinitive Verbs
In addition to the basic uses of prepositions with infinitive verbs, there are also more complex constructions that can be formed. These often involve additional grammatical elements such as clauses or phrases.
1. Infinitive Phrases as Nouns
Infinitive phrases can act as nouns in a sentence, and prepositions can be used to link these phrases to other parts of the sentence.
Examples:
– “To learn a new language is to open a window to a new world.”
– “To travel to new places is to experience different cultures.”
In these examples, the infinitive phrases “to learn a new language” and “to travel to new places” act as the subjects of the sentences, and the prepositions “to” link them to the verbs.
2. Infinitive Phrases as Adjectives
Infinitive phrases can also function as adjectives, modifying nouns in a sentence.
Examples:
– “She has a book to read.”
– “He found a place to study.”
In these sentences, the infinitive phrases “to read” and “to study” modify the nouns “book” and “place,” respectively.
Special Cases: Gerunds vs. Infinitives
It’s important to note that in some cases, gerunds (verbs ending in -ing that function as nouns) can be used instead of infinitives after prepositions. This can sometimes cause confusion for language learners.
Examples:
– “She is interested in learning new languages.” (gerund)
– “He is excited about traveling to Europe.” (gerund)
In these examples, the gerunds “learning” and “traveling” are used after the prepositions “in” and “about,” respectively. While gerunds are often used after prepositions, there are cases where infinitives are more appropriate.
Common Errors and How to Avoid Them
Using prepositions with infinitive verbs can be tricky, and it’s easy to make mistakes. Here are some common errors and tips on how to avoid them:
1. Incorrect Preposition Choice
Choosing the wrong preposition can change the meaning of a sentence or make it sound awkward.
Incorrect: “She is excited for to travel.”
Correct: “She is excited to travel.”
To avoid this error, pay attention to the context and meaning of the sentence. Practice with different prepositions to see which one fits best.
2. Omitting the Preposition
Forgetting to include the preposition can make a sentence grammatically incorrect.
Incorrect: “He is looking to buy a new car.”
Correct: “He is looking for to buy a new car.”
Make sure to include the appropriate preposition to maintain the grammatical structure of the sentence.
3. Mixing Gerunds and Infinitives
Confusing gerunds and infinitives can lead to errors in sentence construction.
Incorrect: “She is interested to learn new languages.”
Correct: “She is interested in learning new languages.”
Be mindful of whether a gerund or an infinitive is more appropriate after a preposition.
Practice Exercises
To help reinforce your understanding of prepositions with infinitive verbs, try the following practice exercises. Fill in the blanks with the correct preposition and infinitive verb:
1. She is excited ________ (to start) her new job.
2. They are planning ________ (to visit) their grandparents.
3. He is worried ________ (to fail) the exam.
4. She went to the store ________ (to buy) groceries.
5. He is interested ________ (to learn) more about the subject.
Answers:
1. She is excited to start her new job.
2. They are planning to visit their grandparents.
3. He is worried about failing the exam.
4. She went to the store to buy groceries.
5. He is interested in learning more about the subject.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of prepositions with infinitive verbs is essential for effective communication in English. By understanding the common prepositions and how they interact with infinitive verbs, you can create clear and accurate sentences. Practice regularly and pay attention to the context and meaning of your sentences to avoid common errors. With time and effort, you’ll become more confident in using prepositions with infinitive verbs in your everyday speech and writing.
