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 opened my laptop to check my email. 💻
  • I’m studying English to speak more confidently.
  • She called her friend to invite her to a party.
  • We left home early to catch the bus. 🚌
Variants
  • in order (not) to (more formal/emphatic): I wrote it down in order to remember it.
  • so as (not) to (formal): He spoke quietly so as not to wake the baby.
  • for + person + to + V: It’s important for learners to practise regularly.
🎁for + noun
RULE Use for + noun to name the thing/result you want or the general activity.
  • Let’s meet at the café for a coffee. ☕
  • I went to the shop for bread and eggs.
  • We stayed at home for rest.
  • She joined the class for practice and confidence.
ℹ️
Focus: to + V highlights the goal/action; for + N highlights the item/activity.
⚖️Compare: to vs for (purpose)
  • I went to the supermarket to buy some fruit. ✅ (goal = buy)
  • I went to the supermarket for some fruit. ✅ (goal = fruit)

Action-focused (to + V)

  • He turned on the light to read the book.
  • They met online to plan their trip.

Thing-focused (for + N)

  • He turned on the light for better reading.
  • They met for a chat / 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 study every day for improving my English.
    ✅ I study every day to improve my English.
  • ✖ I opened YouTube for watching a lesson.
    ✅ I opened YouTube to watch a lesson.
DO Use for + -ing to talk about the purpose/function of an object or activity.
  • This app is for learning new words. ✅
  • These headphones are for listening to podcasts. 🎧
  • A dictionary is for checking spelling.
Also OK
  • This app is used to help you learn words. ✅
  • These headphones are used to listen to podcasts. ✅
  • The website is easy to use. (adjective + to-inf.)
🔗Useful alternatives for purpose
  • so (that) + clause: I practise speaking so (that) I can talk to people more easily.
  • so that + can/could/will/would: Please speak slowly so that I can follow you.
  • in order (not) to / so as (not) to: I set an alarm in order not to be late.
  • for + person + to + V: This is a good book for beginners to read.
🧪More natural examples
  • We went to the library to study. / We went to the library for a study session. 📚
  • She stopped to take a photo. / She stopped for a photo. 📸
  • I’m here to help you. / This page is for helping learners (function).
  • He bought a notebook to write new words. / He bought a notebook for notes. 📝
  • They met to practise speaking. / They met for practice.
✅
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 studied for two hours. ⏳ (duration, not purpose)
  • We studied to prepare for the test. 🎯 (purpose)

Movement to vs Purpose to

  • We went to the library (direction) to study (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 studying in the morning / I used to study in the morning / This app is used for studying vocabulary.
Exercises:
1
2
3

Purpose: to vs 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.

Purpose: to vs for

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.

Purpose: to vs for

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.