something to do (noun + to-infinitive)
something to do (noun + to-infinitive) means “A to-infinitive after a noun or pronoun to say what the thing is for or what can be done with it”. A to-infinitive can follow a noun or an indefinite pronoun (something, anything, nothing, somewhere) to modify it, telling us its purpose: I need something to eat. Formation: noun/pronoun + to + verb
A to-infinitive after a noun or pronoun to say what the thing is for or what can be done with it
B2Formation
noun/pronoun + to + verb
Explanation
A to-infinitive can follow a noun or an indefinite pronoun (something, anything, nothing, somewhere) to modify it, telling us its purpose: I need something to eat. Is there anything to drink? We found a place to stay. The noun is usually the logical object of the verb, so we do not repeat it: a book to read (= read the book), not a book to read it. This pattern is very common with need, want, have, and there is/are.
Examples
Note
When a preposition is needed, it stays at the end: a chair to sit on, a pen to write with, someone to talk to.
FAQ
something to do (noun + to-infinitive) — what does it mean and how is it used?
A to-infinitive after a noun or pronoun to say what the thing is for or what can be done with it. A to-infinitive can follow a noun or an indefinite pronoun (something, anything, nothing, somewhere) to modify it, telling us its purpose: I need something to eat. Is there anything to drink? We found a place to stay. The noun is usually the logical object of the verb, so we do not repeat it: a book to read (= read the book), not a book to read it. This pattern is very common with need, want, have, and there is/are.
something to do (noun + to-infinitive) — how do you form it?
noun/pronoun + to + verb
something to do (noun + to-infinitive) — any usage notes?
When a preposition is needed, it stays at the end: a chair to sit on, a pen to write with, someone to talk to.