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Grammar referenceb2
Gerunds & Infinitives
Infinitives of Purpose and After Adjectives
Why we do something, and adjective patterns.
Explanation
An infinitive explains purpose after a verb or to modify a noun. It also follows many adjectives, especially those expressing difficulty, emotion or evaluation. For a negative purpose, use in order not to or so as not to.
Examples
- She left early to catch the ferry.
- It is hard to concentrate here.
- He whispered so as not to wake them.
Common mistakes
She left early for catch the ferry.
She left early to catch the ferry.
Use to for purpose.
It is hard concentrating here.
It is hard to concentrate here.
Most adjectives take the infinitive.
He whispered to not wake them.
He whispered so as not to wake them.
Split negation sounds awkward here.