Expressing purpose with ‘to’ and ‘for’

1

Question:

Expressing purpose with ‘to’ and ‘for’

KNOWLEDGE BASICS

We can use to + infinitive and for + noun to say what is the purpose of an action, or the reason why we do something.

to + infinitive

I went to the grocery store to buy some vegetables.
I studied hard to pass the exam.

for + noun

Let’s go to the pub for a drink.
We climbed to the top for the views.

Compare to vs for:

I went to the shop to buy some milk.
I went to the shop for some milk.

for + -ing

Don’t use for + -ing to talk about why we do something

We don’t use for + -ing to say what is the purpose of our actions, why we do something.

I work hard ~~for improving~~~~for improving~~ my English. (incorrect)

I work hard to improve my English.

Turn the TV on ~~for watching~~~~for watching~~ the news. (incorrect)

Turn the TV on to watch the news.

Use for + -ing to talk about the purpose or function of an object

We use for + ing to talk about the purpose or function of a thing, what an object is used for.

This machine is used for cleaning cars.
This is a special camera for photographing small objects.

Fill in the blank from the appropriate:

A

2

Question:

EXERCISE

Complete the sentences below with to and for.

1. I need my computer ____ send an important email.

Choose the correct:

A to

B for

3

Question:

2. Call your doctor ____ an appointment.

Choose the correct:

A for

B to

4

Question:

3. I'm on a diet ____ lose some weight.

Choose the correct:

A to

B for

5

Question:

4. I\'m going to call the restaurant ____ book a table.

Choose the correct:

A for

B to

6

Question:

5. A thermometer is a tool ____ measuring the temperature.

Choose the correct:

A for

B to

7

Question:

6. Do you have time ____ a cup of tea?

Choose the correct:

A for

B to

8

Question:

7. I need some money ____ a taxi.

Choose the correct:

A for

B to

9

Question:

7. I need some money ____ a taxi.

Choose the correct:

A for

B to

10

Question:

8. I need some money ____ take a taxi.

Choose the correct:

A for

B to

11

Question:

9. This knife is used ____ cutting plastic.

Choose the correct:

A for

B to

12

Question:

10. Where can I go ____ buy the ingredients?

Choose the correct:

A to

B for

to + infinitive

for + noun

Compare to vs for:

for + -ing

Don’t use for + -ing to talk about why we do something

Use for + -ing to talk about the purpose or function of an object