Infinitive after who, what, how etc
1. In reported speech, we can use an infinitive after the question-words who, what, where etc (but not why) to talk about questions and the answers to questions.
verb + question-word + infinitive
- I wonder who to invite.
- Show me what to do.
- Can you tell me how to get to the station?
- I don't know where to park the car.
- Tell me when to pay.
- I can't decide whether to answer her letter.
2. We cannot begin a direct question with How to...?, What to...? etc. We often use shall or should.
- How shall I tell her? (NOT How to tell her?)
- What shall we do? (NOT What to do?)
- Where should I pay? (NOT Where to pay?)
why (not)
We can use an infinitive without to after why. This usually means that it is unnecessary or stupid to do something.
- Why pay more at other shops? Our prices are the lowest.
Why not...? is used to make suggestions.
- Why not ask Susan to help you?
Note: The tips in this series are picked from various sources!
~* GS *~
March 3, 2013
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