What is the difference between.

Question

To- infinitive and For + gerundI went there to tell him the truth.I am sorry for ruining your mood.Also, by any chance, is it possible to use for+verb without ing?

CalifJim · Accepted Answer

seraph42 ... difference between ...

For your particular sentences, this is the difference.

I went there to tell him the truth.
Telling the truth is in the future.

I am sorry for ruining your mood.
Ruining your mood is in the past.

The infinitive tells the purpose of going there.
The gerund (-ing) tells the reason for being sorry.

The for construction can also be used to show purpose, but you don't see it like that very often compared to the infinitive. It's often after the verb 'use'. (I use this knife for cutting bread, and I use this other knife for cutting meat.)

seraph42Also, by any chance, is it possible to use for+verb without ing?

No. The only verb form allowed after a preposition, e.g., 'for', is the -ing form.

CJ

What is the difference between.

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions