Another question about "to"

maestrowork · Jul 27, 2006

This one trips me up sometimes:

Which is correct?

"The best thing to do is to leave everything behind."

or

"The best thing to do is leave everything behind."

----

"We have no choice but leave everything behind."

or

"We have no choice but to leave everything behind."

WriterInChains · Jul 27, 2006

Hiya,

I'd go with your 2nd sentence both times.

I'm not 100% on #1, though. Sometimes my journalism background makes me overthink these things.

So, when's your next book coming out? My "to read" pile is only 3 feet high, I'm getting nervous.

C

reph · Jul 27, 2006

caren1701 said:
My "to read" pile is only 3 feet high...

Or would that be your "read" pile? (Assume a long "e.")

Okay, back to the topic. First pair of sentences: either is acceptable in speech, but the second is more casual. I'd use the second one in most kinds of writing. Second pair: the "to" is needed.

Another question about "to"

maestrowork

Fear the Death Ray

WriterInChains

Feed my eyes

reph

Fig of authority