“… to apply for a visa” or “… and applied for a visa”?
.everyoneloves__top-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__mid-leaderboard:empty,.everyoneloves__bot-mid-leaderboard:empty{ margin-bottom:0;
}
Here are two sentences:
Once he got the passport, he went to the Chinese consulate in Toronto and applied for a visa.
Once he got the passport, he went to the Chinese consulate in Toronto to apply for a visa.
Are the two sentences grammatical, and do they sound natural?
If they are both fine, so what's the difference?
Thanks!
grammar
asked 12 hours ago
AustinAustin
313
add a comment |
Here are two sentences:
Once he got the passport, he went to the Chinese consulate in Toronto and applied for a visa.
Once he got the passport, he went to the Chinese consulate in Toronto to apply for a visa.
Are the two sentences grammatical, and do they sound natural?
If they are both fine, so what's the difference?
Thanks!
grammar
asked 12 hours ago
AustinAustin
313
add a comment |
Here are two sentences:
Once he got the passport, he went to the Chinese consulate in Toronto and applied for a visa.
Once he got the passport, he went to the Chinese consulate in Toronto to apply for a visa.
Are the two sentences grammatical, and do they sound natural?
If they are both fine, so what's the difference?
Thanks!
grammar
asked 12 hours ago
AustinAustin
313
Here are two sentences:
Once he got the passport, he went to the Chinese consulate in Toronto and applied for a visa.
Once he got the passport, he went to the Chinese consulate in Toronto to apply for a visa.
Are the two sentences grammatical, and do they sound natural?
If they are both fine, so what's the difference?
Thanks!
grammar
grammar
asked 12 hours ago
AustinAustin
313
asked 12 hours ago
AustinAustin
313
edited 11 hours ago
Austin
asked 12 hours ago
AustinAustin
313
asked 12 hours ago
AustinAustin
313
asked 12 hours ago
AustinAustin
313
313
add a comment |
add a comment |
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
They are both pretty much fine, but have slightly different meanings due to tense:
and applied for a visa suggests that the process was completed.
to apply for a visa makes no such suggestion - the subject may in fact not have done so for some reason.
answered 12 hours ago
Mike BrockingtonMike Brockington
6138
I love this answer. It's impossible for me to think it out. Thanks!
– Austin
12 hours ago
Indeed, they are quite different semantically, in the first case he certainly applied whereas in the second case no one knows whether he applied or changed his mind.
– Lucian Sava
12 hours ago
The word "to" insinuates this was the main or only reason for the visit. Based on the context, I imagine this is desired?
– Jeff
6 hours ago
add a comment |
They're both perfectly valid and "natural", and in most cases they'd be equivalent and interchangeable.
But potentially there could be a difference. If it turned out the Chinese consulate was closed when he got there (or there was some other reason why he couldn't apply for a visa), the second alternative (using the infinitive to apply) would still be valid. But in that scenario, the first version (with the and conjunction followed by a "tensed" verb form) would be incorrect (because he didn't actually make the application).
That's because in version #2, to apply [for a visa] is an adverbial clause defining purpose (the reason he went to the consulate) - he could still have gone there for that purpose even if he was unsuccessful in his intentions. But the and version unambiguously forces the interpretation that he was successful.
1a: Then he went to the consulate and applied for a visa, but it was closed. - WRONG!
2a: Then he went to the consulate to apply for a visa, but it was closed. - FINE
answered 11 hours ago
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
46.4k156123
I totally agree with your answer although I can't get the reason for which you put in bold that and.
– Lucian Sava
11 hours ago
Same reason I emboldened to apply in the preceding sentence - they're mentions, not uses.
– FumbleFingers
10 hours ago
Great link, thanks so much! :)
– Lucian Sava
9 hours ago
He could also still be at the consulate... "He went to the consulate to apply for a visa. He'll be back this evening."
– user3067860
8 hours ago
add a comment |
You can use "...in Toronto and applied for a visa" or "...in Toronto to apply for a visa".
The meaning is the same in both cases. The difference is, in the first case, you are simply stating something that happened: A (he went to the Chinese consulate) happened, then B (he applied for a visa) happened. In the second case, you are stating a reason: A happened for the purpose of B (and without further context, it is implied that B also happened). However, technically speaking, the two statements are like 99% equivalent so you can use either.
answered 12 hours ago
Ertai87Ertai87
1591
New contributor
Ertai87 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
Your Answer
StackExchange.ready(function() {
var channelOptions = {
tags: "".split(" "),
id: "481"
};
initTagRenderer("".split(" "), "".split(" "), channelOptions);
StackExchange.using("externalEditor", function() {
// Have to fire editor after snippets, if snippets enabled
if (StackExchange.settings.snippets.snippetsEnabled) {
StackExchange.using("snippets", function() {
createEditor();
});
}
else {
createEditor();
}
});
function createEditor() {
StackExchange.prepareEditor({
heartbeatType: 'answer',
autoActivateHeartbeat: false,
convertImagesToLinks: false,
noModals: true,
showLowRepImageUploadWarning: true,
reputationToPostImages: null,
bindNavPrevention: true,
postfix: "",
imageUploader: {
brandingHtml: "Powered by u003ca class="icon-imgur-white" href="https://imgur.com/"u003eu003c/au003e",
contentPolicyHtml: "User contributions licensed under u003ca href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/"u003ecc by-sa 3.0 with attribution requiredu003c/au003e u003ca href="https://stackoverflow.com/legal/content-policy"u003e(content policy)u003c/au003e",
allowUrls: true
},
noCode: true, onDemand: true,
discardSelector: ".discard-answer"
,immediatelyShowMarkdownHelp:true
});
}
});
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fell.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f205163%2fto-apply-for-a-visa-or-and-applied-for-a-visa%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
They are both pretty much fine, but have slightly different meanings due to tense:
and applied for a visa suggests that the process was completed.
to apply for a visa makes no such suggestion - the subject may in fact not have done so for some reason.
answered 12 hours ago
Mike BrockingtonMike Brockington
6138
I love this answer. It's impossible for me to think it out. Thanks!
– Austin
12 hours ago
Indeed, they are quite different semantically, in the first case he certainly applied whereas in the second case no one knows whether he applied or changed his mind.
– Lucian Sava
12 hours ago
The word "to" insinuates this was the main or only reason for the visit. Based on the context, I imagine this is desired?
– Jeff
6 hours ago
add a comment |
They are both pretty much fine, but have slightly different meanings due to tense:
and applied for a visa suggests that the process was completed.
to apply for a visa makes no such suggestion - the subject may in fact not have done so for some reason.
answered 12 hours ago
Mike BrockingtonMike Brockington
6138
I love this answer. It's impossible for me to think it out. Thanks!
– Austin
12 hours ago
Indeed, they are quite different semantically, in the first case he certainly applied whereas in the second case no one knows whether he applied or changed his mind.
– Lucian Sava
12 hours ago
The word "to" insinuates this was the main or only reason for the visit. Based on the context, I imagine this is desired?
– Jeff
6 hours ago
add a comment |
They are both pretty much fine, but have slightly different meanings due to tense:
and applied for a visa suggests that the process was completed.
to apply for a visa makes no such suggestion - the subject may in fact not have done so for some reason.
answered 12 hours ago
Mike BrockingtonMike Brockington
6138
They are both pretty much fine, but have slightly different meanings due to tense:
and applied for a visa suggests that the process was completed.
to apply for a visa makes no such suggestion - the subject may in fact not have done so for some reason.
answered 12 hours ago
Mike BrockingtonMike Brockington
6138
answered 12 hours ago
Mike BrockingtonMike Brockington
6138
answered 12 hours ago
Mike BrockingtonMike Brockington
6138
answered 12 hours ago
Mike BrockingtonMike Brockington
6138
6138
I love this answer. It's impossible for me to think it out. Thanks!
– Austin
12 hours ago
Indeed, they are quite different semantically, in the first case he certainly applied whereas in the second case no one knows whether he applied or changed his mind.
– Lucian Sava
12 hours ago
The word "to" insinuates this was the main or only reason for the visit. Based on the context, I imagine this is desired?
– Jeff
6 hours ago
add a comment |
I love this answer. It's impossible for me to think it out. Thanks!
– Austin
12 hours ago
Indeed, they are quite different semantically, in the first case he certainly applied whereas in the second case no one knows whether he applied or changed his mind.
– Lucian Sava
12 hours ago
The word "to" insinuates this was the main or only reason for the visit. Based on the context, I imagine this is desired?
– Jeff
6 hours ago
I love this answer. It's impossible for me to think it out. Thanks!
– Austin
12 hours ago
I love this answer. It's impossible for me to think it out. Thanks!
– Austin
12 hours ago
Indeed, they are quite different semantically, in the first case he certainly applied whereas in the second case no one knows whether he applied or changed his mind.
– Lucian Sava
12 hours ago
Indeed, they are quite different semantically, in the first case he certainly applied whereas in the second case no one knows whether he applied or changed his mind.
– Lucian Sava
12 hours ago
The word "to" insinuates this was the main or only reason for the visit. Based on the context, I imagine this is desired?
– Jeff
6 hours ago
The word "to" insinuates this was the main or only reason for the visit. Based on the context, I imagine this is desired?
– Jeff
6 hours ago
add a comment |
They're both perfectly valid and "natural", and in most cases they'd be equivalent and interchangeable.
But potentially there could be a difference. If it turned out the Chinese consulate was closed when he got there (or there was some other reason why he couldn't apply for a visa), the second alternative (using the infinitive to apply) would still be valid. But in that scenario, the first version (with the and conjunction followed by a "tensed" verb form) would be incorrect (because he didn't actually make the application).
That's because in version #2, to apply [for a visa] is an adverbial clause defining purpose (the reason he went to the consulate) - he could still have gone there for that purpose even if he was unsuccessful in his intentions. But the and version unambiguously forces the interpretation that he was successful.
1a: Then he went to the consulate and applied for a visa, but it was closed. - WRONG!
2a: Then he went to the consulate to apply for a visa, but it was closed. - FINE
answered 11 hours ago
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
46.4k156123
I totally agree with your answer although I can't get the reason for which you put in bold that and.
– Lucian Sava
11 hours ago
Same reason I emboldened to apply in the preceding sentence - they're mentions, not uses.
– FumbleFingers
10 hours ago
Great link, thanks so much! :)
– Lucian Sava
9 hours ago
He could also still be at the consulate... "He went to the consulate to apply for a visa. He'll be back this evening."
– user3067860
8 hours ago
add a comment |
They're both perfectly valid and "natural", and in most cases they'd be equivalent and interchangeable.
But potentially there could be a difference. If it turned out the Chinese consulate was closed when he got there (or there was some other reason why he couldn't apply for a visa), the second alternative (using the infinitive to apply) would still be valid. But in that scenario, the first version (with the and conjunction followed by a "tensed" verb form) would be incorrect (because he didn't actually make the application).
That's because in version #2, to apply [for a visa] is an adverbial clause defining purpose (the reason he went to the consulate) - he could still have gone there for that purpose even if he was unsuccessful in his intentions. But the and version unambiguously forces the interpretation that he was successful.
1a: Then he went to the consulate and applied for a visa, but it was closed. - WRONG!
2a: Then he went to the consulate to apply for a visa, but it was closed. - FINE
answered 11 hours ago
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
46.4k156123
I totally agree with your answer although I can't get the reason for which you put in bold that and.
– Lucian Sava
11 hours ago
Same reason I emboldened to apply in the preceding sentence - they're mentions, not uses.
– FumbleFingers
10 hours ago
Great link, thanks so much! :)
– Lucian Sava
9 hours ago
He could also still be at the consulate... "He went to the consulate to apply for a visa. He'll be back this evening."
– user3067860
8 hours ago
add a comment |
They're both perfectly valid and "natural", and in most cases they'd be equivalent and interchangeable.
But potentially there could be a difference. If it turned out the Chinese consulate was closed when he got there (or there was some other reason why he couldn't apply for a visa), the second alternative (using the infinitive to apply) would still be valid. But in that scenario, the first version (with the and conjunction followed by a "tensed" verb form) would be incorrect (because he didn't actually make the application).
That's because in version #2, to apply [for a visa] is an adverbial clause defining purpose (the reason he went to the consulate) - he could still have gone there for that purpose even if he was unsuccessful in his intentions. But the and version unambiguously forces the interpretation that he was successful.
1a: Then he went to the consulate and applied for a visa, but it was closed. - WRONG!
2a: Then he went to the consulate to apply for a visa, but it was closed. - FINE
answered 11 hours ago
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
46.4k156123
They're both perfectly valid and "natural", and in most cases they'd be equivalent and interchangeable.
But potentially there could be a difference. If it turned out the Chinese consulate was closed when he got there (or there was some other reason why he couldn't apply for a visa), the second alternative (using the infinitive to apply) would still be valid. But in that scenario, the first version (with the and conjunction followed by a "tensed" verb form) would be incorrect (because he didn't actually make the application).
That's because in version #2, to apply [for a visa] is an adverbial clause defining purpose (the reason he went to the consulate) - he could still have gone there for that purpose even if he was unsuccessful in his intentions. But the and version unambiguously forces the interpretation that he was successful.
1a: Then he went to the consulate and applied for a visa, but it was closed. - WRONG!
2a: Then he went to the consulate to apply for a visa, but it was closed. - FINE
answered 11 hours ago
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
46.4k156123
edited 10 hours ago
answered 11 hours ago
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
46.4k156123
answered 11 hours ago
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
46.4k156123
answered 11 hours ago
FumbleFingersFumbleFingers
46.4k156123
46.4k156123
I totally agree with your answer although I can't get the reason for which you put in bold that and.
– Lucian Sava
11 hours ago
Same reason I emboldened to apply in the preceding sentence - they're mentions, not uses.
– FumbleFingers
10 hours ago
Great link, thanks so much! :)
– Lucian Sava
9 hours ago
He could also still be at the consulate... "He went to the consulate to apply for a visa. He'll be back this evening."
– user3067860
8 hours ago
add a comment |
I totally agree with your answer although I can't get the reason for which you put in bold that and.
– Lucian Sava
11 hours ago
Same reason I emboldened to apply in the preceding sentence - they're mentions, not uses.
– FumbleFingers
10 hours ago
Great link, thanks so much! :)
– Lucian Sava
9 hours ago
He could also still be at the consulate... "He went to the consulate to apply for a visa. He'll be back this evening."
– user3067860
8 hours ago
I totally agree with your answer although I can't get the reason for which you put in bold that and.
– Lucian Sava
11 hours ago
I totally agree with your answer although I can't get the reason for which you put in bold that and.
– Lucian Sava
11 hours ago
Same reason I emboldened to apply in the preceding sentence - they're mentions, not uses.
– FumbleFingers
10 hours ago
Same reason I emboldened to apply in the preceding sentence - they're mentions, not uses.
– FumbleFingers
10 hours ago
Great link, thanks so much! :)
– Lucian Sava
9 hours ago
Great link, thanks so much! :)
– Lucian Sava
9 hours ago
He could also still be at the consulate... "He went to the consulate to apply for a visa. He'll be back this evening."
– user3067860
8 hours ago
He could also still be at the consulate... "He went to the consulate to apply for a visa. He'll be back this evening."
– user3067860
8 hours ago
add a comment |
You can use "...in Toronto and applied for a visa" or "...in Toronto to apply for a visa".
The meaning is the same in both cases. The difference is, in the first case, you are simply stating something that happened: A (he went to the Chinese consulate) happened, then B (he applied for a visa) happened. In the second case, you are stating a reason: A happened for the purpose of B (and without further context, it is implied that B also happened). However, technically speaking, the two statements are like 99% equivalent so you can use either.
answered 12 hours ago
Ertai87Ertai87
1591
New contributor
Ertai87 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
You can use "...in Toronto and applied for a visa" or "...in Toronto to apply for a visa".
The meaning is the same in both cases. The difference is, in the first case, you are simply stating something that happened: A (he went to the Chinese consulate) happened, then B (he applied for a visa) happened. In the second case, you are stating a reason: A happened for the purpose of B (and without further context, it is implied that B also happened). However, technically speaking, the two statements are like 99% equivalent so you can use either.
answered 12 hours ago
Ertai87Ertai87
1591
New contributor
Ertai87 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
You can use "...in Toronto and applied for a visa" or "...in Toronto to apply for a visa".
The meaning is the same in both cases. The difference is, in the first case, you are simply stating something that happened: A (he went to the Chinese consulate) happened, then B (he applied for a visa) happened. In the second case, you are stating a reason: A happened for the purpose of B (and without further context, it is implied that B also happened). However, technically speaking, the two statements are like 99% equivalent so you can use either.
answered 12 hours ago
Ertai87Ertai87
1591
New contributor
Ertai87 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
You can use "...in Toronto and applied for a visa" or "...in Toronto to apply for a visa".
The meaning is the same in both cases. The difference is, in the first case, you are simply stating something that happened: A (he went to the Chinese consulate) happened, then B (he applied for a visa) happened. In the second case, you are stating a reason: A happened for the purpose of B (and without further context, it is implied that B also happened). However, technically speaking, the two statements are like 99% equivalent so you can use either.
answered 12 hours ago
Ertai87Ertai87
1591
New contributor
Ertai87 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 12 hours ago
Ertai87Ertai87
1591
New contributor
Ertai87 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
answered 12 hours ago
Ertai87Ertai87
1591
answered 12 hours ago
Ertai87Ertai87
1591
1591
New contributor
Ertai87 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
New contributor
Ertai87 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
Ertai87 is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
Check out our Code of Conduct.
add a comment |
add a comment |
Thanks for contributing an answer to English Language Learners Stack Exchange!
- Please be sure to answer the question. Provide details and share your research!
But avoid …
- Asking for help, clarification, or responding to other answers.
- Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience.
To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers.
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
StackExchange.ready(
function () {
StackExchange.openid.initPostLogin('.new-post-login', 'https%3a%2f%2fell.stackexchange.com%2fquestions%2f205163%2fto-apply-for-a-visa-or-and-applied-for-a-visa%23new-answer', 'question_page');
}
);
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Sign up or log in
StackExchange.ready(function () {
StackExchange.helpers.onClickDraftSave('#login-link');
});
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Sign up using Google
Sign up using Facebook
Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
Required, but never shown
