English Grammar

For structures after nouns

Posted By Manjusha in English Grammar

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.

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