Learning to use prepositions with infinitives can be one of the trickiest aspects of mastering the English language. Infinitives, which are the base forms of verbs often preceded by “to” (such as “to eat,” “to run,” “to be”), frequently follow prepositions. However, English learners often stumble over this usage because the rules aren’t always intuitive. This article aims to demystify this topic and provide a comprehensive guide to understanding and using prepositions with infinitives correctly.
Understanding Infinitives
First, let’s start with a brief review of infinitives. An infinitive is the base form of a verb, usually preceded by the word “to.” Examples include “to eat,” “to run,” “to swim,” and “to be.” Infinitives can function as nouns, adjectives, or adverbs. For example:
– As a noun: “To swim is fun.”
– As an adjective: “I have a lot of work to do.”
– As an adverb: “She went to the store to buy groceries.”
Prepositions and Their Functions
A preposition is a word that shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. Common prepositions include “in,” “on,” “at,” “by,” “for,” “with,” “about,” and “of.” For example:
– “The book is on the table.”
– “She is interested in science.”
– “He walked with his friend.”
Prepositions are usually followed by a noun phrase, but they can also be followed by an infinitive. This is where things can get tricky, as not all prepositions can be followed by an infinitive in the same way.
Common Prepositions with Infinitives
Some prepositions are commonly used with infinitives. Below are a few examples:
1. “To”
The preposition “to” is most frequently followed by an infinitive. This is probably the most straightforward case, as the structure is simply “to” + “infinitive.” Examples include:
– “I want to eat.”
– “She needs to study.”
– “They plan to travel.”
2. “In Order To”
The phrase “in order to” is used to indicate purpose. It’s a more formal way to express why someone does something. Examples include:
– “She works hard in order to succeed.”
– “They saved money in order to buy a house.”
– “He studied all night in order to pass the exam.”
3. “So As To”
Similar to “in order to,” the phrase “so as to” is also used to express purpose, though it is less common in everyday conversation. Examples include:
– “She whispered so as to not wake the baby.”
– “He slowed down so as to avoid an accident.”
– “They left early so as to catch the first train.”
Prepositions That Do Not Typically Use Infinitives
While some prepositions are commonly followed by infinitives, others are not. Instead, they are usually followed by gerunds (the -ing form of a verb). For example:
1. “At”
The preposition “at” is typically followed by a gerund, not an infinitive. Examples include:
– “He is good at swimming.” (Not “good at to swim”)
– “She excels at painting.” (Not “excels at to paint”)
2. “By”
Similarly, “by” is usually followed by a gerund. Examples include:
– “He succeeded by working hard.” (Not “by to work hard”)
– “She improved by practicing daily.” (Not “by to practice daily”)
3. “For”
The preposition “for” can be tricky because it can be followed by both infinitives and gerunds, depending on the context. When indicating purpose, “for” is followed by an infinitive. Examples include:
– “She went to the store for groceries.” (Here, “for” is followed by a noun)
– “He bought a gift for her to open.” (Here, “for” is followed by an infinitive phrase indicating purpose)
However, when “for” is followed by a verb, it usually takes the gerund form. Examples include:
– “He is known for singing well.” (Not “for to sing well”)
– “She was punished for lying.” (Not “for to lie”)
Special Cases and Exceptions
As with many aspects of the English language, there are always exceptions to the rules. Some prepositions can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive, but the meaning changes depending on which form is used.
1. “Stop”
Consider the verb “stop.” When followed by a gerund, it means to cease an activity. When followed by an infinitive, it means to pause one activity in order to do another:
– “She stopped smoking.” (She ceased the activity of smoking)
– “She stopped to smoke.” (She paused what she was doing in order to smoke)
2. “Remember”
The verb “remember” also changes meaning based on whether it is followed by a gerund or an infinitive:
– “I remember meeting him.” (I have a memory of meeting him)
– “Remember to meet him.” (Don’t forget to meet him in the future)
Practical Tips for Mastery
Understanding the rules is one thing, but applying them correctly in real-life situations can be challenging. Here are some practical tips to help you master the use of prepositions with infinitives:
1. Practice, Practice, Practice
Like any other aspect of language learning, practice is essential. Write sentences using different prepositions and infinitives. The more you practice, the more natural it will become.
2. Read and Listen
Expose yourself to well-written English through books, articles, and reputable websites. Listen to native speakers through podcasts, movies, and conversations. Pay attention to how prepositions and infinitives are used in different contexts.
3. Use Mnemonics
Create mnemonic devices to help you remember which prepositions are followed by infinitives and which are followed by gerunds. For example, you might remember that “to” almost always pairs with an infinitive, while “by” typically pairs with a gerund.
4. Seek Feedback
Don’t hesitate to ask for feedback from native speakers or language teachers. They can provide insights and corrections that will help you improve.
5. Use Language Learning Apps
There are many language learning apps that provide exercises specifically designed to help you master prepositions and infinitives. Use these tools to reinforce your learning.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
It’s easy to make mistakes when learning to use prepositions with infinitives. Here are some common errors and how to avoid them:
1. Confusing Infinitives and Gerunds
One of the most common mistakes is confusing when to use an infinitive and when to use a gerund. Remember that certain prepositions are almost always followed by a gerund (e.g., “by,” “at”), while others are typically followed by an infinitive (e.g., “to,” “in order to”).
2. Overusing “To”
Another common mistake is overusing the preposition “to” before infinitives, especially when it’s not needed. For example:
– Incorrect: “I want to to go.”
– Correct: “I want to go.”
3. Forgetting the Preposition
Sometimes learners forget to include the necessary preposition before an infinitive. For example:
– Incorrect: “She went the store buy groceries.”
– Correct: “She went to the store to buy groceries.”
4. Using the Wrong Preposition
Using the wrong preposition can change the meaning of a sentence or make it grammatically incorrect. For example:
– Incorrect: “She is good in swimming.”
– Correct: “She is good at swimming.”
Conclusion
Mastering the use of prepositions with infinitives is an essential step in becoming proficient in English. While the rules can seem complex, understanding the common patterns and practicing regularly can make a significant difference. Remember that language learning is a gradual process, and making mistakes is part of the journey. Keep practicing, stay curious, and don’t hesitate to seek help when needed. With time and effort, you will find that using prepositions with infinitives becomes second nature.
