Other uses of for structures

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For-structures can be used after nouns which express wishes and other personal feelings. Examples are: time, a good/bad idea, plan, aim, need, request, mistake, shame etc.

• It is time for everybody to go to bed.
• It was a shame for them to lose the match.
• There is a plan for Alice to spend a year in China.

After something, anything, nothing etc.

Something, anything, nothing, and similar words are often followed by for + object + infinitive.

• Have you brought something for me to eat?
• Is there anything for me to do?
• Is there anybody for Alice to play with?

After too and enough

A for-structure is often used after too and enough.

• The tea was too hot for me to drink.
• The bag was too heavy for me to lift.
• It is now too late for us to begin the new lesson.
• I explained enough for her to understand what was happening.

For-structure as subject or object

The for-structure can be the subject of a clause.

• For us to fail now would be a disaster.

However, it is more common for a structure with preparatory it to be used.

• It would be a disaster for us to fail now.

Sections in this article

Infinitives
Infinitives: forms
Infinitives without to
To-infinitives
Infinitive with its own subject
For-structures after adjectives
For-structures after verbs
For-structures: other uses
Infinitive clauses of purpose
Verbs that can be followed by infinitives
Adjectives that can be followed by infinitives
Nouns that can be followed by infinitives

Sections in this article

Exclamations
Exclamations exercise
Exclamations: common errors
Common mistakes with pronouns - Part 2
Common errors with adjectives - part 1
Common errors with adjectives - part 2