Shall I use gerund or infinitives with the verb "to apologize"?

Question

Which of the two sentences is correct?

I sent an email to apologize

or

I sent an email for apologizing

Not sure of the exact grammatical reason, but 'to' is correct here. — MrTheWalrus, Commented Jun 20, 2015 at 16:46
You apologize for having done something or for neglecting to do something: I apologize for forgetting to wake you up. — TimR, Commented Jun 20, 2015 at 17:14
I think both to and for construction are acceptable generally. But in this case for construction doesn't sound good. Another thing, you have to include a recipient. I would prefer the to version in this case, but that is a personal choice - "I sent him an email to apologize." Or "I sent him a letter of apology". Example with for construction - "This is at this time I have sent him a letter for inviting in Reunion Island. " — Man_From_India, Commented Jun 20, 2015 at 17:17
possible duplicate of 'I have decided to purchase a jet for getting to NYC and back more quickly.' — user6951, Commented Jun 20, 2015 at 20:26

gelolopez · Accepted Answer · 2015-06-20 18:38:25Z

1

These two are your best options

I sent an email to apologize for (insert relevant circumstances)

or

I sent an email apologizing for (insert relevant circumstances)

In the second example, you simply need to change the position of "apologizing" and "for"

answered Jun 20, 2015 at 18:38

gelolopez

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I think the answer could be expanded beyond just apologize. I can't think of a situation where "I sent an email for <gerund>" would work. "
– ColleenV
Commented Jun 20, 2015 at 19:21
1

I sent him an email for editing. Or for recommending.
– Adam
Commented Jun 20, 2015 at 20:07
1

I think the context will determine what construction we need to use.
– gelolopez
Commented Jun 20, 2015 at 20:32

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