16.2 The bare infinitive or the '-ing' form; the to-infinitive
16.2C '(Not) to', 'so as (not) to', 'in order (not) to' [> LEG 16.2,16.12-18]
1 We use to, so as to and in order to to express purpose [compare > 1.1OA]:
I went to France to learn French. I went to France so as to/in order to learn French.
We can also use the to-infinitive (not *so as to* "in order to") to express sequence:
We came home after our holidays to find the house neat and tidy. (= and found)2 We use not to for alternatives:
I went to France not to learn Spanish, but to learn French.3 We use so as not to and in order not to to express 'negative purpose' (Not "to not"):
I shut the door quietly so as not to/in order not to wake the baby.4 We use the to-infinitive after many verbs like appear, arrange, hope, 'd like, and want
He told me to phone home. I hope to see you soon. I want to travel abroad.
Note the difference in meaning between these negatives:
He didn't tell me to phone home. He told me not to phone home.Write: Use to, so as to, in order to in these sentences. Alternatives are sometimes possible.1 I went to town some shopping, (do)
2 He covered the floor with a sheet paint on it. (not splash)
3 I got out some more chairs for the other guests on. (sit)
4 Can you arrange for me the doctor tomorrow? (see)
5 We came home the house had been burgled, (find)
6 She left home (never return)
7 I'd like to the States for a holiday one year, (go)
8 We would like at your party, (have been)
9 Mr Smith wants you later, (see)
10 He appears all about our arrangement, (have forgotten)
11 The keeper told us the monkeys, (not feed)
12 She told us to feed the hens. She the horses, (not tell us/feed)16.2D Context
Write: Put in the correct forms of the infinitive or -ing.Go left! Go right
THIS WAY! THAT WAY!
In a split second, when no one was paying attention, the two prisoners escaped
from the back of the police van. They were handcuffed to each other. It was minutes
before a policeman saw them (run) down the street. 'We'll
follow,' two policemen said. 'Have the driver (bring)^2 the van to
the end of the road. Tell him (not let)^3 them get away. If we're not
careful, we'll have the whole neighbourhood (complain)^4 that
we've been careless.' The prisoners were still running side by side. The policemen
saw them (race)^5 up the hill and (disappear)^6
round a corner. 'We'll never catch them now!' one of them said. 'I told you (not
leave)^7 them unattended.' The prisoners were running at top
speed. Suddenly, they saw a lamp post in front of them 'Go left! Go right' they each
shouted at the same time. They ran on either side of the lamp post. It just took time
for the police (find)^8 them, lying on the pavement, unhurt, dazed,
and with silly grins on their faces.