Explanation
Exercises

🎯 Expressing Purpose: to vs for

How to explain why we do things: to + infinitive, for + noun, and for + -ing (function of objects). Plus useful alternatives like so (that) and in order to.
to + V (purpose of an action) for + N (purpose = thing/result) for + -ing (function of an object) so (that) + clause in order (not) to
🚀to + infinitive
RULE Use to + verb to explain the purpose of an action (what you intend to do).
  • I went to the grocery store to buy some vegetables. 🥦
  • I studied hard to pass the exam. 🎓
  • She called me to ask a question.
  • We left early to avoid traffic. 🚗
Variants
  • in order (not) to (more formal/emphatic): We left early in order to catch the train.
  • so as (not) to (formal): He whispered so as not to wake the baby.
  • for + person + to + V: It’s important for students to practice daily.
🎁for + noun
RULE Use for + noun to name the thing/result you want or the general activity.
  • Let’s go to the pub for a drink. 🍺
  • We climbed to the top for the views. 🌄
  • He went to the store for bread.
  • She joined the club for fun and new friends.
ℹ️
Focus: to + V highlights the goal/action; for + N highlights the item/activity.
⚖️Compare: to vs for (purpose)
  • I went to the shop to buy some milk. ✅ (goal = buy)
  • I went to the shop for some milk. ✅ (goal = milk)

Action-focused (to + V)

  • He opened the window to let in fresh air.
  • They met to discuss the plan.

Thing-focused (for + N)

  • He opened the window for fresh air.
  • They met for a meeting / for lunch.
🛠️for + -ing (function) vs purpose of an action
DON'T Don’t use for + -ing to explain why someone does an action now.
  • ✖ I work hard for improving my English.
    ✅ I work hard to improve my English.
  • ✖ Turn the TV on for watching the news.
    ✅ Turn the TV on to watch the news.
DO Use for + -ing to talk about the purpose/function of an object or activity.
  • This machine is used for cleaning cars. ✅
  • This is a special camera for photographing small objects. 📷
  • Scissors are for cutting paper.
Also OK
  • This machine is used to clean cars. ✅
  • This is a special camera to photograph small objects. ✅
  • The app is easy to use. (adjective + to-inf.)
🔗Useful alternatives for purpose
  • so (that) + clause: I saved money so (that) I could travel. ✈️
  • so that + can/could/will/would: Speak louder so that everyone can hear.
  • in order (not) to / so as (not) to: She left early in order not to be late.
  • for + person + to + V: There is a place for children to play.
🧪More natural examples
  • We went to the park to have a picnic. / We went to the park for a picnic. 🧺
  • She paused to take a photo. / She paused for a photo. 📸
  • I’m here to help you. / This guide is for helping new users (function).
  • He bought a helmet to protect his head. / He bought a helmet for protection. ⛑️
  • They met to negotiate prices. / They met for negotiations.
✅
Quick checks
Doer’s goal now? → use to + V
Naming the thing/result? → use for + N
Built-in function of an object? → use for + -ing
🚫
Common mistakes
✖ go for walk → ✅ go for a walk
✖ for to buy → ✅ to buy
✖ Thanks for help me → ✅ Thanks for helping me (reason for thanks, not purpose of current action)

Purpose vs Duration (don’t confuse!)

  • We stayed there for three days. ⏳ (duration, not purpose)
  • We came to see you. 🎯 (purpose)

Movement to vs Purpose to

  • We went to London (direction) to visit friends (purpose).
Heads-up: be used to + -ing (= be accustomed to) is different from used to + V (past habit) and from be used for + -ing (function). Example: I’m used to getting up early / I used to get up early / This tool is used for getting up tiles.
Exercises:
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2
3

Expressing purpose with to and for

Complete the sentences below with to and for.
1
I use this app learn new words.
2
She went downtown a haircut.
3
We stopped get coffee on the way.
4
This brush is painting walls.
5
He called me ask a question.
6
There’s a box old photos in the attic.
7
I opened the window let some fresh air in.
8
These gloves are winter sports.
9
They met discuss the budget.
10
A timer is useful keeping track of time while cooking.

Expressing purpose with to and for

Choose the correct forms to express purpose.
1
She went to the library ____ her books.
A.
B.
C.
2
This tool is ____ cutting thin metal.
A.
B.
C.
3
I’m saving money ____ a new laptop.
A.
B.
C.
4
We arrived early ____ seats near the front.
A.
B.
C.
5
We booked a small room ____ our staff meeting.
A.
B.
C.
6
She called me ____ a question about the homework.
A.
B.
C.
7
These goggles are ____ working with chemicals in the lab.
A.
B.
C.
8
I went to the store ____ some bread.
A.
B.
C.
9
This red button is ____ emergency stops.
A.
B.
C.
10
He moved to London ____ a master’s degree in economics.
A.
B.
C.

Expressing purpose with to and for

Fill in the gaps with to + infinitive, for + -ing or for + noun. In each gap, use to or for and the word/s in brackets.
1
I went to the bakery (buy) a loaf of bread.
2
This app is great (learn) vocabulary.
3
She uses noise-cancelling headphones (focus) at work.
4
There’s a small button (reset) the device.
5
We stopped by the café (coffee).
6
These gloves are (protect) your hands.
7
He went to the library (return) the books.
8
I joined the forum (advice).
9
A timer is useful (keep) track of time.
10
She opened the window (let) some fresh air in.