[Grammar] Part of speech - 'for'

[Brucec]

Hi all,
I can't find a reference for this and could do with some help. What part of speech is the word 'for' when used with the infinitive, for example in the sentence "It's one of those gadgets for finding out where you are"?

Instinct suggests it is a preposition, but it seems a little strange. Any suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks,
Bruce

 

[Khosro]

Hi all,
I can't find a reference for this and could do with some help. What part of speech is the word 'for' when used with the infinitive, for example in the sentence "It's one of those gadgets for finding out where you are"?

Instinct suggests it is a preposition, but it seems a little strange. Any suggestions gratefully received.

Thanks,
Bruce

"For" is a preposition here. What comes after it is a gerund, not an infinitive.

"For" could be a preposition or a conjunction. Here it is not a conjunction obviously.

 

[Brucec]

"For" is a preposition here. What comes after it is a gerund, not an infinitive.

"For" could be a preposition or a conjunction. Here it is not a conjunction obviously.

Many thanks Khosro.
Of course it isn't the infinitive, I don't know what I was thinking!

Anyway, yes, I guess it has to be a preposition doesn't it, followed as it is by the -ing form.

Thanks again,
Bruce

 

[Khosro]

You're welcome.