What is the rule or the error involving, for example;
I need a box to put my groceries in.
vs
I need a box in which to put my groceries.
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Both forms work. What kind of 'rule' or 'error' are you trying to find? – Lawrence Aug 30 '21 at 16:29
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This construction is called a Relative Infinitive. It consists of an infinitive with to following and modifying an antecedent noun, and also containing a reference to the antecedent. Like box is the object of the preposition in, in both examples. Relative infinitives, unlike tensed relative clauses, don't use relative pronouns like which or who (He's the man to speak with, but not He's the man who(m) to speak with), except* when there's a pied-piped preposition, like in (or to in He's the man to whom to speak). – John Lawler Aug 30 '21 at 19:28
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The only real difference is casual vs formal language (pure preference in 99% of situations).
I need a box to put my groceries in.
is casual, as it ends in a preposition.
I need a box in which to put my groceries.
is the more formal version of the same statement (not ending in a preposition).
See here for more.
TCooper
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