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Seagull Posted 10 years ago
Grammar
Preposition but + infinitive without to
(A) There was nothing for it but to keep silent.
(B) Mary did nothing but sit in the house crying all day long.
My grammar book says that in a sentence like (A), usually, we have to use an infinitive after the proposition but, but in a sentence like (B), we should use an infinitive without to.
According to this book, there is a general rule that if the sentence has do or can before the preposition but, an infinitive without to should be used.
I have found a couple of do patterns like (B), such as: I'm ready to do anything but work on a farm.
However, I have not found a single can pattern so far. Could you please give me some examples?
(B) Mary did nothing but sit in the house crying all day long.
My grammar book says that in a sentence like (A), usually, we have to use an infinitive after the proposition but, but in a sentence like (B), we should use an infinitive without to.
According to this book, there is a general rule that if the sentence has do or can before the preposition but, an infinitive without to should be used.
I have found a couple of do patterns like (B), such as: I'm ready to do anything but work on a farm.
However, I have not found a single can pattern so far. Could you please give me some examples?
Top answer
We can but try. You can but do your best. This construction is a little old-fashioned, but you may still see it from time to time.
- We can but try.
- You can but do your best.
- This construction is a little old-fashioned, but you may still see it from time to time.
- It means, more or less, the only thing to do is.....
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4 Answers
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We can but try.
You can but do your best.
This construction is a little old-fashioned, but you may still see it from time to time. It means, more or less, the only thing to do is......
You can but do your best.
This construction is a little old-fashioned, but you may still see it from time to time. It means, more or less, the only thing to do is......
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Thank you very much indeed, Blue Jay. I have learned a lot.
Your answers have reminded me of something. The construction "cannot but do" is one of those examples, isn't it?
Your answers have reminded me of something. The construction "cannot but do" is one of those examples, isn't it?
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seagullThe construction "cannot but do" is one of those examples, isn't it?Yes. That form emphasizes that there is no alternative.
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