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Grammar Nouns N to-inf

N to-inf

Productive uses

1 Many nouns can be followed by a to-infinitive clause which indicates the purpose or function of the thing referred to, e.g. a party to celebrate her 18th birthday, a device to measure energy consumption, legislation to combat age discrimination.
2 Any noun which refers to something quantifiable may be preceded by too much or enough and followed by a to-infinitive clause. The to-infinitive clause may be negative, beginning with not.
Unfortunately nobody, including Dennis, had enough money to pay for it.
He was in too much pain to speak.
I still have enough sense not to jump out of a third-floor window simply because I happen to be on the third floor.
3 A to-infinitive clause is used after any noun preceded by the and a superlative adjective or an ordinal such as first or second. The noun refers to the understood Subject of the to-infinitive clause.
It will be the largest crowd to watch a soccer college tournament live in this country.
She was the first woman to be appointed a State Governor in India.
4 Conversion note: inserted number. If the adjective is best, right, or only, the noun may refer to a person and be followed by a clause with that person as the understood Subject.
He was not the right person to lead us into the next decade.
5 Conversion note: inserted number. Alternatively, the noun may refer to a person or thing and be followed by a to-infinitive whose understood Subject is someone or something else.
Eventually she decided that teaching was the right path to take.
6 Conversion note: inserted number. Sometimes a noun is used with the but without an adjective to mean 'the right one'.
The board believes he is the man to help steer the club out of the relegation zone.
7 Any noun which refers to a person of a particular kind can be followed by a to-infinitive clause if it is used with the modal auxiliaries must and have to, or with the verb need. The to-infinitive clause in these examples means 'in order to'. The Subject of the main clause is the same as the understood Subject of the to-infinitive clause.
You don't have to be a genius to guess what happens in the movie.
You need to be a small compact person to enjoy this car.
I would have to be a saint to put up with your resentments, your foot-dragging, your evil temper.
8 The noun is followed by a to-infinitive clause which indicates what can be done to or with the thing referred by the noun, e.g. a man to watch out for, a book to read, a job to do.
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Table of contents
  • Adjectives
    • Graded and ungraded adjectives
      • Part 1: Graded adjectives
      • Part 2: Grading adverbs
      • Adverbs that do not grade
      • Part 3: Patterns of graded adjectives
      • Part 4: Ungraded adjectives
      • Part 5: Adjectives with both graded and ungraded senses
    • Comparative adjectives
      • Part 1: The forms of comparative adjectives
      • Part 2: The patterns of comparative adjectives
      • Part 3: The functions of comparative adjectives
    • Superlative adjectives
      • Part 1: The forms of superlative adjectives
      • Part 2: The patterns of superlative adjectives
      • Part 3: The functions of superlative adjectives
    • ADJ n
    • det ADJ n
      • The 'following' group
      • The 'other' group
      • The 'requisite' group
      • The 'only' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • v-link ADJ
      • Other patterns
    • ADJ after v
      • The 'unseen' group
      • The 'unasked' group
      • The 'unharmed' group
      • The 'unaided' group
      • The 'naked' group
      • The 'stock-still' group
      • The 'senseless' group
      • The 'unused' group
      • The 'uninterrupted' group
      • The 'left-handed' group
      • The 'neat' group
      • The 'higher' and 'lower' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • n ADJ
      • The 'major' group
      • The 'elect' group
      • The 'par excellence' group
      • The 'deep' group
      • The 'northbound' group
      • The 'Celsius' group
      • The 'concerned' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive use
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ that
      • The 'surprised' group
      • The 'angry' group
      • The 'horrified' group
      • The 'glad' group
      • The 'certain' group
      • The 'aware' group
      • The 'anxious' group
      • The 'agreed' group
      • The 'insistent' group
      • The 'careful' group
      • The 'lucky' group
      • The 'correct' group
    • ADJ wh
      • The 'uncertain' group
      • The 'aware' group
      • The 'afraid' group
    • ADJ to-inf
      • The 'pretty' group
      • The 'terrible' and 'wonderful' group
      • The 'cheap' and 'expensive' group
      • The 'boring' and 'interesting' group
      • The 'adequate' group
      • The 'astonished' group
      • The 'sorry' group
      • The 'delighted' group
      • The 'unwilling' group
      • The 'willing' group
      • The 'quick' and 'slow' group
      • The 'certain' group
      • The 'sure' group
      • The 'able' group
      • The 'right' group
      • The 'lucky' and 'unlucky' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ -ing
      • The 'comfortable' group
      • The 'crazy' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • ADJ about n
      • The 'passionate' and 'cool' group
      • The 'happy' group
      • The 'unhappy' group
      • The 'philosophical' group
      • The 'nervous' group
      • The 'angry' group
      • The 'curious' group
      • The 'arrogant' group
      • The 'cynical' and 'serious' group
      • The 'certain' group
      • The 'specific' and 'vague' group
      • The 'apologetic' group
      • The 'scathing' and 'charitable' group
      • The 'articulate' and 'reticent' group
      • The 'honest' and 'dishonest' group
      • The 'entertaining' group
      • The 'marvellous' group
      • The 'ruthless' group
      • The 'careful' group
      • The 'fair' and 'selfish' group
      • The 'analytical' group
      • The 'aware' and 'ignorant' group
      • The 'right' and 'wrong' group
    • ADJ against n
      • The 'effective' group
      • The 'defenceless' group
      • The 'safe' group
      • The 'visible' group
      • The 'successful' group
      • The 'steady' group
      • The 'deductible' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • ADJ as n
      • The 'famous' group
      • The 'marvellous' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'allowable' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ as to wh
      • The 'uncertain' group
      • The 'curious' group
      • The 'worried' group
      • The 'divided' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • ADJ at n
      • The 'good' group
      • The 'nervous' group
      • The 'angry' group
      • Productive use
    • ADJ between pl-n
      • The 'indeterminate' group
      • The 'mobile' group
      • The 'equidistant' group
      • The 'confidential' group
      • The 'undecided' group
    • ADJ by n
      • The 'achievable' group
      • The 'fine' group
      • The 'astonished' group
      • The 'hidebound' group
      • The 'available' group
      • The 'accessible' group
      • The 'recognizable' group
      • The 'unaffected' group
      • The 'higher' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • ADJ for n
      • The 'suitable' group
      • The 'ready' group
      • The 'eager' group
      • The 'famous' group
      • The 'good' group
      • The 'responsible' group
      • The 'afraid' group
      • The 'happy' group
      • The 'compulsory' group
      • The 'vital' group
      • The 'useful' group
      • The 'pushed' group
      • The 'guilty' group
      • The 'destined' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ from n
      • The 'absent' group
      • The 'different' group
      • The 'indistinguishable' group
      • The 'apparent' group
      • The 'safe' group
      • The 'accessible' group
      • The 'dead' group
      • The 'dirty' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ in n
      • The 'involved' group
      • The 'adamant' group
      • The 'assiduous' group
      • The 'lacking' group
      • The 'inherent' group
      • The 'awash' group
      • The 'fluent' group
      • The 'clothed' group
      • The 'plastered' group
      • The 'safe' group
      • The 'apparent' group
      • The 'slow' group
      • The 'helpful' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'comparable' group
      • The 'careful' group
      • The 'successful' group
      • The 'right' group
      • The 'lucky' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ of n
      • The 'fond' and 'critical' group
      • The 'afraid' group
      • The 'tired' group
      • The 'desirous' group
      • The 'assured' group
      • The 'certain' and 'uncertain' group
      • The 'aware' and 'unaware' group
      • The 'considerate' and 'careless' group
      • The 'empty' group
      • The 'full' group
      • The 'indicative' group
      • The 'destructive' group
      • The 'deserving' group
      • The 'kind' group
      • The 'clear' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ on n
      • The 'keen' group
      • The 'fair' and 'rough' group
      • The 'emphatic' group
      • The 'vague' group
      • The 'weak' and 'strong' group
      • The 'optimistic' group
      • The 'short' and 'heavy' group
      • The 'agreed' group
      • The 'conditional' group
      • The 'dependent' group
      • The 'high' group
      • The 'payable' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ over n
      • The 'angry' group
      • The 'despondent' group
      • The 'worried' group
      • The 'enthusiastic' group
      • The 'jealous' group
      • The 'go mad' group
      • The 'dominant' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • ADJ to n
      • The 'beneficial' group
      • The 'detrimental' group
      • The 'partial' group
      • The 'generous' and 'horrible' group
      • The 'fascinating' and 'infuriating' group
      • The 'similar' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'sensitive' group
      • The 'accustomed' group
      • The 'liable' group
      • The 'married' group
      • The 'inferior' group
      • The 'responsible' group
      • The 'restricted' group
      • The 'recognizable' group
      • The 'obvious' group
      • The 'accessible' group
      • The 'parallel' group
      • The 'tantamount' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • ADJ towards/toward n
      • The 'sympathetic' group
      • The 'aggressive' group
      • The 'ambivalent' group
      • The 'oriented' group
    • ADJ with n
      • The 'angry' group
      • The 'patient' group
      • The 'lavish' group
      • The 'breathless' group
      • The 'involved' group
      • The 'familiar' group
      • The 'excellent' group
      • The 'cursed' group
      • The 'awash' group
      • The 'bright' group
      • The 'flecked' group
      • The 'coated' group
      • The 'inlaid' group
      • The 'decorated' group
      • The 'fragrant' group
      • The 'comparable' group
      • The 'okay' group
      • The 'lucky' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • it v-link ADJ that
      • The 'likely' group
      • The 'obvious' group
      • The 'marvellous' group
      • The 'awful' group
      • The 'important' and 'necessary' group
      • The 'interesting' and 'surprising' group
      • The 'relevant' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • it v-link ADJ for n that
      • The 'fortunate' group
      • The 'important' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • it v-link ADJ of n that
    • it v-link ADJ to n that
      • The 'obvious' group
      • The 'fair' and 'ludicrous' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'interesting' group
    • it v n ADJ that
    • it v n as ADJ that
    • it v-link ADJ wh
      • The 'clear' group
      • The 'inexplicable' group
      • The 'important' group
    • it v-link ADJ what/how
      • The 'fantastic' group
      • The 'terrible' group
      • The 'amazing' group
      • The 'true' group
    • it v-link ADJ when/if
      • The 'awful' group
      • The 'frustrating' group
      • The 'difficult' group
      • The 'good' group
      • The 'exciting' group
      • The 'strange' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • it v-link ADJ to-inf
      • The 'accurate' and 'illogical' group
      • The 'easy' and 'difficult' group
      • The 'selfish' and 'dangerous' group
      • The 'exciting' and 'safe' group
      • The 'surprising' and 'interesting' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'legal' group
      • The 'funny' group
      • The 'enough' group
    • it v-link ADJ for n to-inf
      • The 'ludicrous' group
      • The 'nice' group
      • The 'easy' and 'dangerous' group
      • The 'normal' and 'rare' group
      • The 'necessary' and 'important' group
      • The 'possible' group
      • The 'enough' group
    • it v-link ADJ of n to-inf
      • The 'kind' group
      • The 'stupid' group
      • The 'typical' group
    • it v n ADJ to-inf
      • The 'angry' group
      • The 'sad' group
      • The 'sick' and 'nervous' group
      • The 'happy' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • it v-link ADJ -ing
      • The 'awful' group
      • The 'nice' group
      • The 'strange' group
      • The 'difficult' and 'dangerous' group
      • The 'easy' and 'safe' group
    • v it ADJ that
      • The 'fair' group
      • The 'sad' group
      • The 'incredible' group
      • The 'surprising' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'probable' group
      • The 'apparent' group
      • The 'illegal' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
    • v it as ADJ that
    • v it ADJ to-inf
      • The 'good' group
      • The 'wrong' group
      • The 'interesting' group
      • The 'wise' group
      • The 'hypocritical' group
      • The 'easy' and 'difficult' group
      • The 'natural' and 'odd' group
      • The 'important' group
      • The 'possible' and 'impossible' group
      • The 'illegal' group
      • The 'cheap' group
    • v it ADJ for n to-inf
      • The 'inappropriate' group
      • The 'odd' group
      • The 'right' group
      • The 'possible' group
      • The 'difficult' group
      • The 'necessary' group
      • The 'expensive' group
      • The 'illegal' group
    • v it as ADJ to-inf
      • The 'worthwhile' group
      • The 'immoral' group
      • The 'critical' group
      • The 'odd' group
    • it v-link ADJ about n
    • there v-link something/anything/nothing ADJ about n/-ing
      • The 'attractive' group
      • The 'fascinating' group
      • The 'unsatisfactory' group
      • The 'depressing' group
      • The 'familiar' and 'different' group
      • The 'English' group
      • The 'boyish' group
      • The 'political' group
      • The 'secret' group
      • The 'addictive' group
      • The 'amusing' group
      • The 'unreal' group
      • The 'sacrosanct' group
      • The 'easy' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • there v-link something/nothing/anything ADJ in n/-ing
      • The 'interesting' group
      • The 'wrong' group
      • The 'extraordinary' group
      • Adjectives with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • there v-link something/nothing/anything ADJ with n/-ing
      • Other related patterns
    • Adjective patterns with what
      • Pattern 1: what v-link ADJ v-link that
      • Pattern 2: what v-link ADJ v-link wh
      • Pattern 3: what v-link ADJ v-link -ing
      • Pattern 4: what v-link ADJ to-inf v-link that/wh
      • Pattern 5: what v-link ADJ to n v-link that/wh
      • Pattern 6: what v-link ADJ about n v-link n/that/wh
      • Pattern 7: what v-link ADJ in n v-link n/that/wh
      • Pattern 8: what v-link ADJ with n v-link n/that/wh
    • Combining forms
      • 1 Combining forms which follow other words
      • 2 Combining forms which precede other words
      • Other related patterns
    • Colour words
      • Adjective uses
      • Noun uses
      • Groups of colour words
      • Adjectives used to modify colour words
      • Colour adjectives
  • Nouns
    • Count nouns
      • Singular count nouns without a determiner
    • Uncount nouns
    • Variable nouns
    • Mass nouns
      • The 'cheese' group
      • The 'beer' group
      • The 'silk' group
      • The 'plastic' group
      • The 'lipstick' group
      • The 'cough mixture' group
      • The 'bleach' group
      • The 'acid' group
      • The 'fossil fuel' group
      • The 'moss' group
      • The 'compost' group
      • The 'fluid' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • Singular nouns
    • Plural nouns
      • The 'binoculars' group
      • The 'trousers' group
      • The 'high heels' group
      • The 'clothes' group
      • The 'people' group
      • The 'cattle' group
      • The 'tonsils' group
      • The 'dreadlocks' group
      • The 'shakes' group
      • The 'troubles' group
      • The 'fries' group
      • The 'foothills' group
      • The 'business hours' group
      • The 'riches' group
      • The 'costs' group
      • The 'congratulations' group
      • The 'thoughts' group
      • The 'breakables' group
      • The 'basics' group
      • The 'remains' group
      • The 'arts' group
      • The 'block capitals' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • Collective nouns
      • 1 Collective count nouns
      • 2 Collective singular nouns
      • 3 Collective uncount nouns
      • 4 Collective proper nouns
    • Proper nouns
    • Nouns used in names
      • The 'House' group
      • The 'Organization' group
      • The 'Church' group
      • The 'School' group
      • The 'Republic' group
      • The 'Road' group
      • The 'Overture' group
      • The 'News' group
      • The 'Desert' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • Titles
      • The 'Aunt' group
      • The 'Baron' group
      • The 'Ms' group
      • The 'Admiral' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • Vocative nouns
      • The 'love' group
      • The 'sir' group
      • The 'mum' and 'dad' group
      • The 'captain' group
      • The 'chairman' group
      • The 'majesty' group
      • The 'lady' group
      • Other vocatives
    • Nouns used as modifiers
      • Materials
      • Food and drink
      • Places
      • Times
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • a N
      • The 'bore' group
      • The 'inspiration' group
      • The 'laugh' group
      • The 'breeze' group
      • The 'quandary' group
      • The 'talking-to' group
      • The 'chat' group
      • The 'sprint' group
      • The 'doze' group
      • The 'clean' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • the N
      • The 'impossible' group
      • The 'rich' and 'poor' group
      • The 'English' group
      • The 'public' group
      • The 'government' group
      • The 'president' group
      • The 'presidency' group
      • The 'seller' group
      • The 'butcher' group
      • The 'sea' group
      • The 'open air' group
      • The 'dark' group
      • The 'daytime' group
      • The 'beginning' and 'end' group
      • The 'sound barrier' group
      • The 'crunch' group
      • The 'basics' group
      • The 'downside' group
      • The 'opposite' group
      • The 'outcome' group
      • The 'east' group
      • The 'lowlands' group
      • The 'back' group
      • The 'floor' group
      • The 'bathroom' group
      • The 'bull's eye' group
      • The 'nick' group
      • The 'field' group
      • The 'forefront' group
      • The 'dregs' group
      • The 'media' group
      • The 'adverts' group
      • The 'text' group
      • The 'low-down' group
      • The 'electoral register' group
      • The 'theatre' group
      • The 'circus' group
      • The 'arts' group
      • The 'bomb' group
      • The 'go-ahead' group
      • The 'axe' group
      • The 'action' group
      • The 'measles' group
      • The 'long jump' group
      • The 'piano' group
      • The 'tango' group
      • The 'underground' group
      • The 'dollar' group
      • The 'economy' group
      • The 'passive' group
      • The 'washing-up' group
      • The 'niceties' group
      • The 'norm' group
      • The 'fashion' group
      • The 'above' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
    • poss N
      • The 'mum' and 'dad' group
      • The 'lover' group
      • The 'friend' group
      • The 'follower' group
      • The 'colleague' group
      • The 'guardian' group
      • The 'pupil' group
      • The 'boss' group
      • The 'servant' group
      • The 'therapist' group
      • The 'representative' group
      • The 'flatmate' group
      • The 'counterpart' group
      • The 'junior' group
      • The 'opponent' group
      • The 'accuser' group
      • The 'founder' group
      • The 'nemesis' and 'salvation' group
      • The 'release' group
      • The 'return' group
      • The 'resignation' group
      • The 'apology' group
      • The 'language' group
      • The 'message' group
      • The 'creation' group
      • The 'independence' group
      • The 'fortunes' group
      • The 'well-being' group
      • The 'crust' group
      • The 'face' group
      • The 'remains' group
      • The 'digestion' group
      • The 'ability' group
      • The 'mind' group
      • The 'mood' and 'attitude' group
      • The 'opinion' group
      • The 'dismay' group
      • The 'stupidity' group
      • The 'bearing' group
      • The 'shortcoming' and 'merit' group
      • The 'nature' group
      • The 'name' and 'address' group
      • The 'reputation' group
      • The 'kind' group
      • The 'home' group
      • The 'domain' group
      • The 'responsibility' group
      • The 'turn' group
      • The 'childhood' group
      • The 'debut' and 'demise' group
      • The 'lunch break' group
      • The 'belongings' group
      • The 'stock' group
      • The 'share' group
      • The 'papers' group
      • The 'wardrobe' group
      • The 'speciality' group
      • The 'favourite' group
      • The 'requirements' group
      • The 'grasp' group
      • The 'path' group
      • The 'view' group
      • The 'Majesty' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • adj N
      • The 'citizen' and 'territory' groups
      • The 'background' group
      • The 'cook' group
      • The 'job' group
      • The 'buy' group
      • The 'match' group
      • The 'turnout' group
      • The 'qualities' group
      • The 'hair' and 'heart' groups
      • The 'mood' group
      • The 'place' group
      • The 'specimen' group
      • The 'deck' group
      • The 'gland' group
      • The 'arena' group
      • The 'power' group
      • The 'manner' group
      • The 'era' group
      • The 'glories' group
      • The 'type' group
      • The 'language' group
      • The 'perspective' group
      • The 'time bomb' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • n N
      • The 'trader' group
      • The 'collector' group
      • The 'soup' group
      • The 'bottle' group
      • The 'opener' group
      • The 'lotion' group
      • The 'crystal' group
      • The 'factory' group
      • The 'surface' group
      • The 'addiction' group
      • The 'hunting' group
      • The 'shortage' group
      • The 'agency' group
      • The 'industry' group
      • The 'season' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • num N
      • Currencies
      • Units of weight
      • Units of size or distance
      • Units of area
      • Units of volume and capacity
      • Units of electrical current or resistance
      • Units of time
      • Other units of measurement
    • ord N
      • The 'round' group
      • The 'stage' group
      • The 'storey' group
      • The 'edition' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N that
      • The 'suggestion' group
      • The 'belief' group
      • The 'happiness' group
      • The 'sign' group
      • The 'possibility' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N to-inf
      • The 'desire' group
      • The 'arrangement' group
      • The 'promise' group
      • The 'proposal' group
      • The 'attempt' group
      • The 'ability' group
      • The 'permission' group
      • The 'request' group
      • The 'responsibility' group
      • The 'reason' group
      • The 'tendency' group
      • The 'claim' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • N about n
      • The 'talk' group
      • The 'story' group
      • The 'ideas' group
      • The 'disagreement' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N against n
      • The 'attack' group
      • The 'broadside' group
      • The 'protection' group
      • The 'charge' group
      • The 'anger' group
      • The 'argument' group
      • The 'game' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N among pl-n
      • The 'fear' group
      • The 'consensus' group
      • The 'conflict' group
      • The 'communication' group
      • The 'popularity' group
      • The 'unemployment' group
      • The 'illness' group
      • The 'differences' group
      • The 'friends' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N as n
      • The 'appointment' group
      • The 'experience' group
      • The 'reputation' group
      • The 'future' group
      • The 'rights' group
      • The 'performance' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N as to wh
      • The 'advice' group
      • The 'idea' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N at n
      • The 'anger' group
      • The 'attempt' group
      • The 'glance' group
      • The 'expert' group
      • The 'dig' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N behind n
      • The 'mastermind' group
      • The 'idea' group
      • The 'reason' group
      • The 'science' group
      • The 'facts' group
      • The 'meaning' group
      • The 'look' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
    • N between pl-n
      • The 'relationship' group
      • The 'split' group
      • The 'fight' group
      • The 'reconciliation' group
      • The 'agreement' group
      • The 'love' and 'enmity' group
      • The 'communication' group
      • The 'collaboration' group
      • The 'interaction' group
      • The 'boundary' group
      • The 'difference' group
      • The 'similarity' group
      • The 'balance' group
      • The 'interval' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N by n
      • Actions
      • Written works or works of art
    • N for n
      • The 'love' and 'hatred' group
      • The 'support' group
      • The 'desire' group
      • The 'search' group
      • The 'request' group
      • The 'bill' group
      • The 'ticket' group
      • The 'compensation' group
      • The 'talent' group
      • The 'basis' group
      • The 'plan' group
      • The 'catalyst' and 'death knell' group
      • The 'turning point' group
      • The 'blessing' and 'setback' group
      • The 'opportunity' group
      • The 'reason' group
      • The 'evidence' group
      • The 'advertisement' group
      • The 'substitute' group
      • The 'synonym' group
      • The 'spokesman' group
      • The 'institute' group
      • The 'home' group
      • The 'preparation' group
      • The 'cure' group
      • The 'cloak' group
      • The 'vogue' group
      • The 'eligibility' group
      • The 'reputation' group
      • The 'channel' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • N from n
      • The 'departure' group
      • The 'abstention' and 'retirement' group
      • The 'respite' group
      • The 'separation' group
      • The 'fallout' group
      • The 'relic' group
      • The 'reaction' group
      • The 'help' and 'opposition' group
      • The 'present' group
      • The 'message' group
      • The 'performance' group
      • The 'danger' group
      • The 'extract' group
      • The 'visitor' group
      • The 'emissions' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N in n
      • The 'increase' and 'decrease' group
      • The 'involvement' group
      • The 'ingredient' group
      • The 'turning point' group
      • The 'era' group
      • The 'setback' group
      • The 'break' group
      • The 'hole' group
      • The 'flaw' group
      • The 'pain' group
      • The 'difference' group
      • The 'belief' group
      • The 'pride' group
      • The 'skill' group
      • The 'course' group
      • The 'career' group
      • The 'experiment' group
      • The 'trade' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N in favour of n
      • The 'bias' group
      • The 'decision' group
      • The 'point' group
      • The 'speech' group
      • The 'demonstration' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N into n
      • The 'entry' group
      • The 'descent' group
      • The 'foray' group
      • The 'investigation' group
      • The 'transformation' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N of n
      • The 'announcement' group
      • The 'construction' group
      • The 'love' group
      • The 'diagram' group
      • The 'sign' group
      • The 'cause' and 'result' group
      • The 'rise' and 'fall' group
      • The 'flow' group
      • The 'support' group
      • The 'issue' group
      • The 'magnitude' group
      • The 'town' group
      • The 'look' group
      • The 'era' group
      • The 'piece' group
      • The 'gang' group
      • The 'box' group
      • The 'kilometre' group
      • The 'fraction' group
      • The 'percentage' group
      • The 'article' group
      • The 'sample' group
      • The 'episode' group
      • The 'rim' group
      • The 'stage' group
      • The 'extremes' group
      • The 'architect' group
      • The 'fragrance' group
      • The 'mood' group
      • The 'aim' group
      • The 'site' group
      • The 'thunder' group
      • The 'possibility' group
      • The 'shortage' group
      • The 'type' group
      • The 'mixture' group
      • The 'way' group
      • The 'giant' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N on n
      • The 'talk' group
      • The 'article' group
      • The 'conference' group
      • The 'ideas' group
      • The 'expert' group
      • The 'commission' group
      • The 'emphasis' group
      • The 'attack' group
      • The 'law' group
      • The 'ban' group
      • The 'burden' group
      • The 'work' group
      • The 'blow' group
      • The 'effect' group
      • The 'dependence' group
      • The 'tax' group
      • The 'profit' group
      • The 'bet' group
      • The 'improvement' group
      • The 'stain' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N over n
      • The 'dispute' group
      • The 'advantage' group
      • The 'control' group
      • The 'victory' group
      • The 'fuss' group
      • The 'grief' group
      • The 'debate' group
      • The 'agreement' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N to n
      • The 'journey' group
      • The 'posting' group
      • The 'plane' group
      • The 'entry' group
      • The 'access' group
      • The 'door' group
      • The 'short cut' group
      • The 'promotion' group
      • The 'hostility' and 'devotion' group
      • The 'kindness' group
      • The 'obligation' group
      • The 'damage' group
      • The 'setback' group
      • The 'danger' group
      • The 'barrier' group
      • The 'modifications' group
      • The 'end' group
      • The 'solution' group
      • The 'climax' group
      • The 'run-up' group
      • The 'preface' group
      • The 'addition' group
      • The 'guide' group
      • The 'donation' group
      • The 'help' group
      • The 'assistant' group
      • The 'successor' group
      • The 'heir' group
      • The 'father' group
      • The 'speech' and 'letter' group
      • The 'memorial' group
      • The 'response' group
      • The 'alternative' group
      • The 'shock' group
      • The 'disgrace' group
      • The 'example' group
      • The 'pointer' group
      • The 'subjection' group
      • The 'sensitivity' and 'immunity' group
      • The 'link' group
      • The 'claim' group
      • The 'assent' group
      • The 'adherence' group
      • The 'reference' group
      • The 'drawback' group
      • The 'attractiveness' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • N towards n
      • The 'hatred' group
      • The 'generosity' group
      • The 'progress' group
      • The 'road' group
      • The 'tendency' group
      • The 'contribution' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • N with n
      • The 'disgust' and 'obsession' group
      • The 'popularity' group
      • The 'similarity' group
      • The 'comparison' group
      • The 'relationship' group
      • The 'merger' group
      • The 'split' group
      • The 'fight' group
      • The 'reconciliation' group
      • The 'agreement' group
      • The 'meeting' group
      • The 'conversation' group
      • The 'involvement' group
      • The 'collaboration' group
      • The 'help' group
      • The 'familiarity' group
      • The 'skill' group
      • The 'trouble' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
    • the N be that
      • The 'answer' group
      • The 'belief' group
      • The 'danger' group
      • The 'result' group
      • The 'problem' group
      • The 'tragedy' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other related patterns
    • poss N be that
      • The 'answer' group
      • The 'belief' group
      • The 'appeal' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • the N be to-inf
      • The 'aim' group
      • The 'trick' group
      • The 'plan' group
      • The 'challenge' group
      • The 'effect' group
      • The 'temptation' group
    • poss N be to-inf
      • The 'aim' group
      • The 'approach' group
      • The 'duty' group
      • The 'advice' group
      • The 'response' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • the N be -ing
      • The 'trick' group
      • The 'problem' group
      • The 'part' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • poss N be -ing
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link det N that
      • The 'pity' group
      • The 'miracle' group
      • The 'fallacy' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link a adj N that
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link poss N that
      • The 'belief' group
      • The 'wish' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link det N to-inf
      • The 'relief' group
      • The 'shock' group
      • The 'shame' group
      • The 'crime' group
      • The 'struggle' group
      • The 'fallacy' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link N to-inf
      • The 'folly' group
      • The 'good practice' group
      • The 'fun' group
    • it v-link poss N to-inf
      • The 'aim' group
      • The 'duty' group
      • The 'custom' group
      • The 'right' group
      • The 'fate' group
      • The 'decision' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v N to-inf
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive use
    • it v n N to-inf
      • Productive use
    • it v-link det N -ing
      • The 'pleasure' group
      • The 'pain' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • it v-link N -ing
      • The 'fun' group
      • The 'hell' group
    • v it det N to-inf
    • v it as det N to-inf
    • there be det N about n
      • Productive use
    • there be det N in n/-ing
    • there be det N to n/-ing
      • Productive uses
    • at N
      • The 'school' group
      • The 'top' group
      • The 'controls' group
      • The 'party' group
      • The 'lunch' group
      • The 'time' group
      • The 'juncture' group
      • The 'peak' group
      • The 'price' group
      • The 'pace' group
      • The 'peace' group
      • The 'war' group
      • The 'gunpoint' group
      • The 'root' group
      • The 'request' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • by N
      • The 'car', 'air', and 'rail' groups
      • The 'mail' group
      • The 'cheque' group
      • The 'machine' group
      • The 'force' group
      • The 'ballot' group
      • The 'auction' group
      • The 'rote' group
      • The 'injection' group
      • The 'drowning' group
      • The 'chance' and 'design' group
      • The 'nature' group
      • The 'law' group
      • The 'decree' group
      • The 'agreement' group
      • The 'candlelight' group
      • The 'comparison' group
      • The 'bucketful' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
    • from N
      • The 'viewpoint' group
      • The 'start' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
      • Other related patterns
      • Productive use
    • in N
      • The 'bewilderment' group
      • The 'despair' group
      • The 'trouble' group
      • The 'captivity', 'comfort', and 'debt' group
      • The 'conditions' group
      • The 'flames' group
      • The 'silence' group
      • The 'privacy' group
      • The 'conversation' group
      • The 'conformity' and 'contravention' group
      • The 'agreement' group
      • The 'collaboration' group
      • The 'prison' group
      • The 'front' group
      • The 'dark' group
      • The 'future' group
      • The 'flash' group
      • The 'succession' group
      • The 'degree' group
      • The 'height' group
      • The 'layers' group
      • The 'abundance' group
      • The 'form' group
      • The 'theory' and 'practice' group
      • The 'comparison' group
      • The 'jest' group
      • The 'explanation' group
      • The 'response' group
      • The 'honour' group
      • The 'whisper' group
      • The 'dialect' and 'writing' group
      • The 'opinion' group
      • The 'honesty' group
      • The 'way' group
      • The 'power' group
      • The 'hands' group
      • The 'work' group
      • The 'role' group
      • The 'condition' group
      • The 'fashion' and 'disgrace' group
      • The 'hope' group
      • The 'prospect' group
      • The 'addition' group
      • The 'flower' group
      • The 'fancy dress' group
      • The 'plait' group
      • The 'close-up' group
      • The 'attempt' group
      • The 'gear' group
      • The 'sight' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
    • into N
      • The 'oblivion' group
      • The 'bankruptcy' group
      • The 'crime' group
      • The 'laughter' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • of N
      • The 'importance' group
      • The 'help' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive use
    • on N
      • The 'premises' group
      • The 'top' group
      • The 'horseback' group
      • The 'data' group
      • The 'television' group
      • The 'phone' group
      • The 'list' group
      • The 'committee' group
      • The 'duty' group
      • The 'holiday' group
      • The 'bail' group
      • The 'basis' group
      • The 'request' group
      • The 'show' and 'sale' group
      • The 'standby' group
      • The 'increase' group
      • The 'rocks' group
      • The 'alert' group
      • The 'level' group
      • The 'brink' group
      • The 'track' group
      • The 'time' group
      • The 'credit' group
      • The 'pension' group
      • The 'drugs' group
      • The 'balance' group
      • The 'impulse group
      • The 'back burner' group
      • The 'edge' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
    • out of N
      • The 'curiosity' group
      • The 'danger' group
      • The 'business' group
      • The 'fashion' group
      • The 'office' group
      • The 'balance' group
      • The 'coma' group
      • The 'touch' group
      • The 'position' group
      • The 'prison' group
      • The 'sight' group
      • The 'character' group
      • The 'context' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Other productive uses
    • to N
      • The 'surprise' group
      • The 'left' group
      • The 'school' group
      • The 'lunch' group
      • The 'stop' group
      • The 'bits' group
      • The 'extent' group
      • The 'specification' group
      • The 'effect' group
      • The 'sound' group
      • The 'end' group
      • The 'mind' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • under N
      • The 'attack' group
      • The 'leadership' group
      • The 'regime' group
      • The 'strain' group
      • The 'consideration' group
      • The 'construction' group
      • The 'guidelines' group
      • The 'guarantee' group
      • The 'heading' group
      • The 'pseudonym' group
      • The 'pretence' group
      • The 'misapprehension' group
      • The 'anaesthetic' group
      • The 'cover' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • with N
      • The 'amusement' group
      • The 'aplomb' group
      • The 'speed' group
      • The 'care' group
      • The 'skill' group
      • The 'smile' group
      • The 'help' group
      • The 'aim' group
      • The 'justification' group
      • The 'regard' group
      • The 'practice' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
    • within N
      • The 'months' group
      • The 'inches' group
      • The 'earshot' group
      • The 'limits' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
    • without N
      • The 'protest' group
      • The 'emotion' group
      • The 'hint' group
      • The 'permission' group
      • The 'help' group
      • The 'delay' group
      • The 'hitch' group
      • The 'warning' group
      • The 'risk' group
      • The 'merit' group
      • The 'reservation' group
      • The 'doubt' group
      • The 'justification' group
      • The 'reference' group
      • Nouns with other meanings
      • Productive uses
  • Verbs
    • Chapter 1 Simple Patterns
      • V
      • V n
      • V pl-n
      • V pron-refl
      • V amount
      • V adj
      • V -ing
      • V to-inf
      • V inf
      • V that
      • V wh
      • V wh-to-inf
      • V with quote
      • V so/not
      • V as if, V as though, V like
      • V and v
    • Chapter 2 Simple Patterns with Prepositions and Adverbs
      • V prep/adv, V adv/prep
      • V adv
      • pl-n V together
      • V prep
      • V about n
      • V across n
      • V after n
      • V against n
      • V around/round n
      • V as adj
      • V as n
      • V as to wh
      • V at n
      • V between pl-n
      • V by amount
      • V by -ing
      • V for n
      • V from n
      • V in n
      • V in favour of n
      • V into n
      • V like n
      • V of n
      • V off n
      • V on n
      • V on to n, V onto n
      • V out of n
      • V over n
      • V through n
      • V to n
      • V towards/toward n
      • V under n
      • V with n
      • Less frequent patterns
    • Chapter 3 Complex Patterns
      • V n adj
      • V n n
      • V n -ing
      • V n to-inf
      • V n inf
      • V n that
      • V n wh
      • V n wh-to-inf
      • V n with quote
      • V n -ed
    • Chapter 4 Complex Patterns with Prepositions and Adverbs
      • V n prep/adv, V n adv/prep
      • V n with adv
      • V pl-n with together
      • V way prep/adv
      • V n about n
      • V n against n
      • V n as adj
      • V n as n
      • V n as to wh
      • V n at n
      • V n between/among pl-n
      • V n by n
      • V n for n
      • V n from n
      • V n in n
      • V n into n
      • V n into -ing
      • V n of n
      • V n off n
      • V n on n
      • V n onto n, V n on to n
      • V n out of n
      • V n over n
      • V n to n
      • V n towards/toward n
      • V n with n
      • Less frequent patterns
    • Chapter 5 Link Verbs
      • Link verb meanings
      • Prepositional link verbs
      • Link verb patterns
    • Chapter 6 Reciprocal Verbs
      • Pattern combinations
    • Chapter 7 Ergative Verbs
      • Combination of patterns with ergative verbs
      • What the patterns indicate
      • (i) 'Doer' and 'causer' are both animate
      • (ii) 'Doer' is inanimate, 'causer' is inanimate
      • (iii) 'Causer' is inanimate, 'doer' may be animate or inanimate, depending on the verb
      • Patterns with reflexive pronouns
      • Ergative verbs and the passive
      • Actual and potential events
      • Ergative link verbs
      • About this chapter
      • Pattern combinations
      • Pattern combination 1: V; V n
      • Pattern combination 2: V prep/adv; V n prep/adv
      • Pattern combination 3: V adj; V n adj
      • Pattern combination 4: V as adj; V n as adj
      • Pattern combination 5: V to-inf; V n to-inf
      • Pattern combination 6: V ord prep; V n ord prep
      • Pattern combination 7: V prep/adv; V n; V n prep/adv
      • Pattern combination 8: V prep/adv; V n
      • Pattern combination 9: V adv; V n
      • Pattern combination 10: V adj; V n
    • Chapter 8 Ergative Reciprocal Verbs
      • Pattern combinations
    • Chapter 9 Verb Patterns with it
      • Introductory it as Subject
      • Introductory it as Object
      • General it as Subject
      • General it as Object
    • Chapter 10 Patterns with there
      • Pattern I: there V n
      • Pattern II: there V n prep/adv
    • Chapter 11 Auxiliaries, Modals, and Phrasal Modals
      • Auxiliaries
      • Modals
      • Phrasal modals
    • Chapter 12 Combinations of Patterns
      • V; V n
      • V about n; V at n
      • V about n; V at n; V with quote
      • V about n; V n about n
      • V about n; V on n
      • V about n; V on n; V over n
      • V about n; V over n
      • V about n; V over n; V that
      • V about n; V that
      • V about n; V that; V with quote
      • V about n; V wh; V wh-to-inf
      • V about n; V with quote
      • V against n; V for n
      • V against n; V for n; V in favour of n
      • V against n; V in favour of n
      • V against n; V n against n
      • V against n; V that
      • V against n; V to-inf
      • V against n; V with quote
      • V as n; V for n
      • V as n; V n as n
      • V at n; V n at n
      • V at n; V over n
      • V at n; V that
      • V at n; V that; V with quote
      • V at n; V to n
      • V at n; V with n
      • V at n; V with quote
      • V between pl-n; V from n or V from n to n
      • V by -ing; V n by -ing
      • V for n; V n for n
      • V for n; V that
      • V for n; V that; V to-inf
      • V for n; V to-inf
      • V for n; V with quote
      • V from n or V from n into n; V into n
      • V from n; V n from n
      • V from n or V from n to n; V to n
      • V -ing; V n -ing
      • V -ing; V that
      • V -ing; V to-inf
      • V -ing; V with n
      • V in n; V n in n
      • V in n; V on n
      • V into n; V n into n
      • V into n; V out of n
      • V into n; V to n
      • V n about n; V n on n
      • V n about n; V n that
      • V n about n; V n wh; V n wh-to-inf
      • V n about n; V with quote
      • V n adj; V n as adj
      • V n adj; V n as adj; V n as n
      • V n adj; V n as adj; V n as n; V n n
      • V n adj; V n as n; V n n
      • V n adj; V n n
      • V n as adj; V n as n
      • V n as adj; V n as n; V n n
      • V n as n; V n for n
      • V n as n; V n -ing
      • V n as n; V n n
      • V n at n
      • V n for n; V n n
      • V n for n; V n to-inf
      • V n from n or V n from n into n; V n into n
      • V n from n; V n out of n
      • V n from n or V n from n to n; V n to n
      • V n inf; V n -ing
      • V n -ing
      • V n in n; V n into n
      • V n in n; V n on n
      • V n into -ing; V n into n
      • V n into -ing; V n into n; V n to-inf
      • V n into -ing; V n to-inf
      • V n into n; V n out of n
      • V n into n; V n to-inf
      • V n into n; V n to n
      • V n n; V n to n
      • V n on n; V on n
      • V n out of n
      • V n that; V n to-inf
      • V n that; V n wh
      • V n that; V n with quote
      • V n that; V that
      • V n to-inf; V n with quote
      • V n to-inf; V n with quote; V with quote
      • V n to-inf; V that
      • V n to-inf; V that; V with quote
      • V n to-inf; V to-inf
      • V n to-inf; V with quote
      • V n to n; V n with n
      • V n to n; V n with together
      • V n to n; V to n
      • V n to n; V that
      • V n to n; V with quote
      • V n wh; V n wh-to-inf
      • V n wh; V n with quote
      • V n wh-to-inf
      • V n with n; V with n
      • V n with quote; V that; V with quote
      • V n with quote; V with quote
      • V on n; V over n
      • V on n; V that
      • V on n; V that; V with quote
      • V on n; V to-inf
      • V on n; V with quote
      • V out of n
      • V over n; V with quote
      • V that; V to-inf
      • V that; V to-inf; V with quote
      • V that; V to n
      • V that; V to n; V with quote
      • V that; V wh
      • V that; V wh; V with quote
      • V that; V with n; V with quote
      • V that; V with quote
      • V to-inf; V with quote
      • V to n; V with n
      • V to n; V with quote
      • V wh; V wh-to-inf
      • V wh; V with quote
      • V wh-to-inf
      • V with n; V with quote
      • V with quote
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