have no choice...

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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Sang-heui, Kim
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have no choice...

Post by Sang-heui, Kim »

Hi,

I'd like to know the reason why "to infinitive"is followed by "but" as "I have no choice but to go back."
I learned that "~ing" form is followed by a preposition.


Best regard.
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Alan
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Post by Alan »

Sometimes an infinitive serves nominally, as here where it stands as a complement to quasi-prepositional 'but'.

The same thing occurs with some other prepositions with similar meaning, e.g.

There was nothing to be done except TO RETURN and search again the following day.
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