For + to construction

Question

Can you explain,with details,when should I use the for+to construction? I heard that it has 5 functions can you explain what they are? (with examples)(I tried to search it on some sites ,but I couldn't understand.Thanks in advance.example sentence: ''Its necessary for you to do it at once.''

AlpheccaStars · Accepted Answer

dominique 4595I heard that it has 5 functions

Where did you hear that? I've never run across that claim. And the construction is not for + to, it is for + infinitive clause with an explicit subject.

dominique 4595It's necessary for you to do it at once.

It's necessary to drink a full glass of water with that medication. (The subject of the infinitive is understood as either "you" or "one" referring to the person who is going to take the medication. )

To make the subject explicit, either the preposition "for" or the subordinator "that" is needed.

It's necessary for your child to drink a full glass of water with that medication.
It's necessary that your child drink a full glass of water with that medication.

Another way to phrase it:

Your child must drink a full glass of water with that medication.

It's necessary..., It's important... It's urgent..., It's a shame... are common expressions that use the expletive construction.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Syntactic_expletive

For + to construction

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬