English Language Learners Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for speakers of other languages learning English. It only takes a minute to sign up.
Sign up to join this community
Is there any rule for when to use to and when to drop it in expressions that include but (to) do?
A1-- You have no choice but to study hard.
B1-- You have no choice but study hard.
A2 -- I can't help but keep asking questions.
B2 -- I can't help but to keep asking questions.
A3 -- She could do nothing but give in.
B3 -- She could do nothing but to give in.
I guess all A's are correct. What about the B's? If they are incorrect, is it because of a rule, some logic, or because of idiomatic usage?
Infinitives after but meaning except are normally used without to.
She could do nothing but give in.
After cannot(can't) (help) but+ bare infinitive.
I can't help but keep asking questions.
We use to-infinitives after no choice, alternative, option but
You have no choice but to study hard.
