For-structures: after verbs

Posted By Manjusha in English Grammar

Certain verbs are normally followed by for. Examples are: ask, hope, wait, look, pay, arrange etc. We can use infinitives after them.

• I can't wait for them to finish talking. (NOT I can’t wait them to finish talking.)
• Can you arrange for the goods to be delivered soon? (NOT Can you arrange the goods to be delivered soon.)
• I arranged for her to have violin lessons. (NOT I arranged her to have violin lessons.)

Certain verbs like suit, take etc., can also be followed by a for-structure.

• It only takes ten minutes for me to walk to the office.
• Will it suit you for us to call on Sunday?

Note that a for-structure cannot be used in object position after verbs.

• I requested her to help me. (NOT I requested for her to help me.)
• She wanted me to clear her doubts. (NOT She wanted for me to clear her doubts.)

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