to versus of versus for

[vinay2]

Is there a general rule that governs which of these to use in a sentence that "seems" to go with more than one. E.g.

- Ability to / of / for sing(ing)..
- Possibility to / of / for..
- Create a team to study / for studying..

So far, it seems, when in doubt, to beats of/for, and of beats for (to > of > for). Also, for seems to be used for "purpose" and of seems to imply association.

Can someone please provide as general a rule for the right usage of/for these? :)

[StaceyKoprince]

First, please do read (and follow!) the forum guidelines when posting. This folder is for strategy questions, not specific content or problems. :)

Quickly, though, there are no general rules for what you describe. These are idioms. To, of, and for are prepositions and certain prepositions follow certain words. There's no pattern or general rule to follow - we just have to memorize them. (Incidentally, this - idioms - is one of the hardest things to learn when learning a new language!)

I have the ability to sing. I have the capability to sing. I am able to sing. I am capable of singing. No rules, no patterns - just annoying memorization!