Infinitive of Purpose
Related Lessons
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.