Learning to use prepositions with infinitives can be a challenging aspect of mastering the English language. Infinitives, which are the base forms of verbs often preceded by “to” (e.g., to go, to eat, to see), are an essential part of English grammar. However, when prepositions come into play, many learners find themselves confused about how to correctly construct sentences. This article aims to demystify the use of prepositions with infinitives by providing clear explanations, examples, and useful tips to help you get a better grasp of this important grammatical concept.
Understanding Infinitives
Before diving into the complexities of prepositions with infinitives, it’s essential to have a solid understanding of what infinitives are and how they function in a sentence. An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word “to.” For example:
– To run
– To eat
– To learn
Infinitives can serve various roles in a sentence, such as the subject, object, or complement. For example:
– To run is healthy. (subject)
– She wants to eat. (object)
– His goal is to learn. (complement)
The Role of Prepositions
Prepositions are words that link nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other parts of the sentence. They provide additional context by indicating relationships in time, place, direction, cause, manner, and more. Common prepositions include words like “in,” “on,” “at,” “by,” and “with.” For example:
– The book is on the table.
– She arrived at noon.
– He traveled by car.
Prepositions and Gerunds
When it comes to prepositions, one common rule is that they are usually followed by gerunds (verbs ending in -ing) rather than infinitives. For example:
– He is interested in studying.
– She talked about going to the party.
However, there are exceptions to this rule, and understanding these exceptions is crucial for mastering prepositions with infinitives.
Common Prepositions with Infinitives
While most prepositions are followed by gerunds, certain prepositions are followed by infinitives in specific contexts. Here, we’ll explore some of the most common prepositions that pair with infinitives.
1. “To” as a Preposition
The preposition “to” is perhaps the most common preposition used with infinitives. In fact, “to” is part of the infinitive itself. For example:
– I want to go to the store.
– She needs to study for the exam.
However, “to” can also function as a preposition in other contexts, and in those cases, it is not followed by an infinitive but rather by a noun or gerund. For example:
– He is looking forward to meeting you.
– She is committed to improving her skills.
2. “For” with Infinitives
The preposition “for” is often used with infinitives to express purpose or intention. For example:
– I went to the store for buying groceries. (Incorrect)
– I went to the store to buy groceries. (Correct)
In these cases, the infinitive is used to explain why something is done. Another example:
– She studied hard for to pass the exam. (Incorrect)
– She studied hard to pass the exam. (Correct)
3. “In Order to” and “So as to”
Both “in order to” and “so as to” are phrases that can be used to indicate purpose or intention and are followed by infinitives. For example:
– He exercises regularly in order to stay healthy.
– She saved money so as to buy a new car.
These phrases are often used to add formality or clarity to a sentence.
4. “About” and “Without”
While prepositions like “about” and “without” are typically followed by gerunds, they can be followed by infinitives in some rare cases, usually in informal speech or specific idiomatic expressions. For example:
– I was about to leave when the phone rang.
– He left without saying goodbye.
In these instances, the prepositions are part of fixed expressions that are exceptions to the general rule.
Special Cases and Exceptions
As with many aspects of the English language, there are exceptions and special cases to consider when using prepositions with infinitives. Here, we’ll explore a few of these special cases.
1. Adjectives and Infinitives
Certain adjectives are often followed by infinitives. In these cases, the infinitive is used to complete the idea expressed by the adjective. For example:
– She is eager to learn.
– He is ready to leave.
In these sentences, the adjectives “eager” and “ready” are followed by infinitives to provide additional information.
2. Expressions of Time
In some expressions of time, infinitives are used with prepositions to indicate when something will happen. For example:
– I have a meeting at 3 PM to discuss the project.
– We will gather next week to plan the event.
In these sentences, the infinitives “to discuss” and “to plan” are used to explain the purpose of the meeting and gathering.
3. Fixed Expressions
Certain fixed expressions and idiomatic phrases in English use prepositions with infinitives. These phrases often don’t follow the standard rules but are commonly used in everyday speech. For example:
– She has nothing to do with the project.
– He has a lot to offer.
In these examples, the prepositions “with” and “to” are used in fixed expressions that pair with infinitives.
Tips for Mastering Prepositions with Infinitives
Mastering prepositions with infinitives requires practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you improve your understanding and usage:
1. Pay Attention to Context
The context in which a preposition and infinitive are used can often provide clues about the correct usage. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall meaning of the sentence.
2. Learn Common Expressions
Familiarize yourself with common expressions and idiomatic phrases that use prepositions with infinitives. Practice using these expressions in your writing and speaking to build confidence.
3. Practice with Exercises
Practice makes perfect. Look for exercises and quizzes that focus on prepositions with infinitives. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.
4. Read and Listen to Native Speakers
Reading books, articles, and listening to native speakers can help you see and hear how prepositions with infinitives are used in context. Pay attention to how they construct sentences and try to mimic their usage.
5. Seek Feedback
If you’re unsure about your usage of prepositions with infinitives, seek feedback from a teacher, tutor, or language exchange partner. They can provide valuable insights and corrections.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
As you work on mastering prepositions with infinitives, it’s important to be aware of common mistakes that learners often make. Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:
1. Using Gerunds Instead of Infinitives
One common mistake is using a gerund (verb ending in -ing) instead of an infinitive after certain prepositions. For example:
– I went to the store for buying groceries. (Incorrect)
– I went to the store to buy groceries. (Correct)
Remember that certain prepositions, such as “for,” are followed by infinitives when expressing purpose.
2. Misplacing Infinitives
Another common mistake is misplacing the infinitive in a sentence, which can lead to confusion or awkward phrasing. For example:
– She wants to quickly finish her work. (Incorrect)
– She wants to finish her work quickly. (Correct)
Ensure that the infinitive is placed correctly in the sentence for clarity and readability.
3. Overusing Prepositions
Sometimes learners overuse prepositions, leading to redundant or awkward sentences. For example:
– He is looking forward to to meeting you. (Incorrect)
– He is looking forward to meeting you. (Correct)
Be mindful of unnecessary prepositions and strive for concise and clear sentences.
Conclusion
Mastering the use of prepositions with infinitives is an essential skill for English language learners. While it can be challenging due to the various rules and exceptions, understanding the common prepositions that pair with infinitives, practicing with exercises, and paying attention to context can greatly improve your proficiency. Remember to stay patient and persistent in your learning journey, and don’t hesitate to seek feedback and guidance from others. With practice and dedication, you’ll become more confident in using prepositions with infinitives correctly and effectively in your writing and speaking.
