0
Angliholic Posted 17 years ago
Grammar

Most patents are for improvements

In fact, most patents are for improvements on existing technology, not wholly new items.

Hi,
Does "for" in the above refer to "thanks to" or "concerning" or something else? Thanks.
  

Top answer

Patent are for = Patents are with regard or respect to .

— Mister Micawber

  • Patent are for = Patents are with regard or respect to .
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

3 Answers
0
.
Patent are for = Patents are with regard or respect to
.
0
0
Mister Micawber.
Patent are for = Patents are with regard or respect to
.

Thanks, Mister.

Someone asked me today if "for" in the base sentence optional. After having read the whole sentence a few times, I felt it still sounded good without "for." So, I thought it was optional. Am I right?
0
0
.
No, for is required in the first instance; it has been optionally elided in the second instance: Patents are for improvements... not (for) wholly new items.
.
0

Related Questions