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Working in the field helps us to learn how to apply theories to solve real-world problems, to apply […], and to […].

Are the "to" after each comma necessary?

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  • I'm not sure I understand the sentence you are writing. "...to solving..." for example isn't correct English, so the meaning isn't clear.
    – Irene
    Nov 20, 2011 at 16:41
  • Are you saying "to apply theory to solving problems" is wrong?
    – Computist
    Nov 20, 2011 at 16:46
  • 1
    How about this example sentence fragment? "to explore strange new worlds, to seek out new life and new civilizations, to boldly go where no man has gone before." The "to"s are not required but add a certain dramatic emphasis, rhythm and, I think, a suggestion that it's not a prioritized list but are all equal goals.
    – Wudang
    Nov 20, 2011 at 17:06
  • I'm saying I'm confused. "Learn" requires a to-infinitve construct (I wrote the wrong gerund form here, sorry), it should be "...learn to apply theories to...", I think. If I understand your sentence correctly, though, then "to" isn't necessary after each comma. In fact, it is correct to say: "Working in the field helps us learn to apply theories...", ie help + bare infinitive if your sentence is in informal context.
    – Irene
    Nov 20, 2011 at 17:10
  • It's an awkward sentence with all the gerunds, but I wouldn't call it incorrect English. I would change this part at least, "...to learn how to apply theories to solving..."
    – mkennedy
    Nov 20, 2011 at 17:17

3 Answers 3

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As was suggested by Wudang, the parallel structure of the phrases helps draw them together. Often parallel sections of a sentence are introduced by a single word in the main part of the sentence, but in this case repeating the common word certainly makes it easier to follow. I assume that your intent was to have parallel sections as this:

Working in the field helps us to learn how to apply theories
 to solve real-world problems,
 to apply […], and
 to […].

The only problem is that you have the word 'to' in other places that might make it difficult to separate out which are part of the parallel structure and which are not, as this:

Working in the field helps us
 to learn how [something works]
 to apply theories
 to solve real-world problems,
 to apply […], and
 to […].

The first one obviously doesn't fit the pattern (as is), but the rest seem as though they could be parallel. If your intent is to focus only on those last three (and any additional ones), then you might reword the beginning to avoid the wordiness as:

Working in the field teaches us
 to apply theories
 to solve real-world problems,
 to apply […], and
 to […].

In this case each of the parallel phrases correctly completes the introductory phrase, and the repeated word 'to' pulls the reader through, allowing a pause just before each section.

The alternate method would be to use the connecting word once as:

Working in the field teaches us to
 apply theories
 solve real-world problems,
 apply […], and
 […].

Either way works, so it would be just a matter of personal preference. May I suggest you check what Grammar Girl has to say about it? http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/false-series-parallel-construction.aspx

6

They are not necessary; you can write the sentence without them.

Working in the field helps us to learn how to apply theories to solve real-world problems, apply […], and […].

It similar to what I would write the following sentence:

She wants to take a trip to Niagara Falls, return to Long Island, take an airplane for Washington D.C., and then take a trip to Philadelphia. Imagine, she wants to do it in a week.

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so, it depends on the situation. I guess, when are just single verbs and these aren't consequence of early one, It's better not use "to":

I work in the field to learn, apply theories, acquire experience, ...

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  • With an explanation this might go somewhere...
    – Helmar
    Sep 24, 2017 at 18:03

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