Exercises
Explanation
Course
Expressing purpose with to and for
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 improvingmy English. - I work hard to improve my English.
- Turn the TV on
for watchingthe news. - 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.