Summary
The content focuses on the correct use of the infinitive of purpose in formal writing and specifically for the GMAT exam, highlighting the preference for infinitives over 'for' plus a gerund to express purpose.
- Using 'for' followed by a gerund is always incorrect on the GMAT; instead, an infinitive should be used to express the purpose.
- The infinitive of purpose is versatile and can be used with transitive, intransitive, and passive verbs, as well as in participle phrases.
- The basic structure 'A did X to do Y' can be made clearer and more formal by using 'in order to' or 'so as to' for expressing purpose.
- While both 'in order to' and 'so as to' are grammatically correct, the latter is more formal and thus more likely to appear on the GMAT.
- It's important to recognize the use of infinitives in writing, as most are used to express purpose, and formal language is preferred on the GMAT.
Chapters
00:00
Understanding the Infinitive of Purpose
01:39
Versatility of the Infinitive Form
02:25
Formalizing the Expression of Purpose
03:47
Infinitive Use in Formal Writing and GMAT
Here's a video lesson on Transitive & Intransitive verbs.
Here's a video lesson on Passive verbs.
Here's a video lesson on Participial Phrases.
Related Blog Posts
Verbs that Idiomatically Require the Infinitive
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: In the sentence "Pythagoras sailed to southern Italy to found a new religious sect," isn't "to found" incorrect? Should it be "to find?"
A: The verb "to found" is being used here, and is correct. This is not the past tense of "to find" -- these are two different words.
To found something means "to establish or set up." Pythagoras is "establishing or setting up" a new religious sect.