“Participate In” vs. “Participate To” – Selecting the Right Preposition
Engaging in activities and events often involves the use of the verb “participate.” However, the prepositions that follow can cause confusion.
Let’s clarify the correct prepositional phrase to use with “participate.”
Quick Summary
“Participate in” is the correct phrase when referring to being involved in an activity or event. “Participate to” is not typically used in standard English and may be incorrect depending on the context.
“Participate In” vs. “Participate To” – Which is Correct?
The phrase “participate in” is used when talking about taking part in an activity or event. “Participate to” is generally not used, except in cases where “to” is part of an infinitive verb phrase that follows “participate,” as in “participate to achieve.” Here’s a reference:
| Phrase | When to Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Participate in | When referring to being involved in an activity or event | She decided to participate in the marathon. |
| Participate to | Rarely used, unless followed by an infinitive verb | They participate to win. (Here “to win” is the infinitive verb expressing purpose.) |
How to Use “Participate In”
“Participate in” is the correct construction when you want to indicate involvement in an activity, event, or group. Here are examples of how to use “participate in”:
“Many countries participate in the Olympic Games.”
“Students are encouraged to participate in extracurricular activities.”
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct prepositional phrase to complete the sentences:
- Are you going to _ (participate in/participate to) the discussion?
- He didn’t _ (participate in/participate to) the charity run last weekend.
- They are excited to _ (participate in/participate to) the science fair.
- We _ (participate in/participate to) the meeting to provide our feedback.
- She wants to _ (participate in/participate to) efforts to protect the environment.
Answer Key:
- participate in
- participate in
- participate in
- participate in
- participate in
Conclusion
When indicating involvement in an activity or event, “participate in” is the appropriate phrase to use. It’s important to use the correct preposition to convey your message accurately.
Keep in mind that “participate to” is not commonly used and is often incorrect unless it is part of an infinitive verb phrase indicating purpose. Using “participate in” correctly will ensure clear and effective communication in your writing and speech.
