To read it on the train

Question

Which are correct:1) I borrowed that book to read it on the train.2) I borrowed that book for reading on the train.3) I borrowed that book for reading it on the train.4) I rented that car for driving up to Boston.5) I rented that car to drive up to Boston.Gratefully,Navi

BillJ · Accepted Answer

navitasan
Which are correct:
1) I borrowed that book to read it on the train. 2) I borrowed that book for reading on the train. 3) I borrowed that book for reading it on the train. 4) I rented that car for driving up to Boston. 5) I rented that car to drive up to Boston.

Purpose adjuncts like these are usually infinitival clauses ("... to read on the train") , where the meaning is similar to I borrowed that book in order that I could read it on the train.

Your examples with "for" are marginally acceptable, but much less likely. The for preposition phrase, like the infinitival clause, functions as a purpose adjunct: I borrowed that book for the purpose of reading it on the train.

Note that "it" is not required. The direct object of "read/reading" is left understood, though recoverable from the antecedent expression "that book".

Clive · Answer

We usually say this.

I borrowed that book to read on the train.

I rented that car to drive up to Boston.

Clive

To read it on the train

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