An infinitive can have its own subject. Study the following sentences.
- I will be happy to wash the car. (I will wash the car.)
- I will be happy for Max to wash the car. (Max will wash the car.)
- To wait for Peter would be a great mistake.
- For you to wait for Peter would be a great mistake. (NOT You to wait for Peter would be a mistake.)
Note that the subject of the infinitive is the object of the preposition for. Object forms of pronouns are used after for.
- I will be happy for them to help you. (NOT I will be happy for they to help you.)
The structure for + noun/pronoun is used after nouns, adjectives and verbs which express ideas such as wishes and other personal feelings. Examples are: anxious, eager, reluctant, delighted, willing, need, request, mistake, shame, ask, hope, wait, look, pay, arrange etc.
- I am anxious for him to reach home in time.
- She is eager for us to see our work.
- It is important for the meeting to be a success.
- It is impossible for us to finish the job in time.
- It seems unnecessary for him to quit his job.
- It is time for everybody to go to bed.
- I couldn’t wait for them to finish talking.
- We would be delighted for you to come and stay.
- It is strange for her to be out so late.
