Understanding the differences between the adverbial use of ‘to infinitive’ and ‘for’ in English can be a bit tricky, especially for learners. In this article, we will break down the use of both structures and how they differ in expressing purpose or intention.
What is an Adverbial Use of ‘To Infinitive’?
The ‘to infinitive’ is often used to show the purpose or intention of an action. It answers the question ‘Why?’ or ‘For what purpose?’ For example, in the sentence ‘I went to the store to buy some milk,’ the ‘to buy’ part explains the purpose of going to the store. The infinitive verb ‘to buy’ indicates the purpose of the main action, which is ‘went.’
Understanding ‘For’ in Adverbial Use
‘For’ can also express purpose, but it is usually followed by a noun or noun phrase. For example, ‘I went to the store for some milk.’ In this case, ‘for’ introduces the purpose of the action (going to the store), but the construction differs because the noun ‘milk’ follows ‘for,’ rather than using an infinitive verb.
Key Differences Between ‘To Infinitive’ and ‘For’
The main difference between the adverbial use of ‘to infinitive’ and ‘for’ lies in their structure and the parts of speech that follow them. While ‘to infinitive’ requires a verb after ‘to’ (e.g., ‘to eat,’ ‘to run’), ‘for’ requires a noun or noun phrase (e.g., ‘for dinner,’ ‘for a book’). Both can express purpose, but the construction and usage differ depending on what follows.
When to Use ‘To Infinitive’ vs. ‘For’
Generally, ‘to infinitive’ is used when the purpose involves an action, and it is closely tied to the verb in the sentence. For example, ‘She studied hard to pass the exam.’ On the other hand, ‘for’ is often used when the purpose involves a noun or a thing. For instance, ‘I bought a gift for my friend.’ Understanding when to use each form will help make your English sentences sound more natural and grammatically correct.
Conclusion
In summary, both ‘to infinitive’ and ‘for’ can express purpose, but they are used in different ways in English. ‘To infinitive’ is used with verbs to indicate the purpose of an action, while ‘for’ is used with nouns to show the purpose of the action. By understanding these differences, you will be able to use these structures correctly and improve your English writing and speaking skills.
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