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    PURPOSE WITH 'FOR + VERB-ING' AND 'TO + INFINITIVE'

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    For + verb-ing
    We use 'for + verb-ing' to talk about the function of an object. It's used when we want to explain what something is generally used for or what its purpose is. We DON'T use 'for + infinitive'.
    • A camera is for taking photos. (NOT: for take photos.)
    • The headphones are for listening to music.
    • What's this for? (= what does this do / what is the function or purpose of this object?)
    • This knife is for chopping onions.
    When the subject of the sentence is a person, and we are talking about the function of an object, it's also possible to use 'to + infinitive', as well as 'for + verb-ing'.
    • I use this box to store DVDs.
    • I use this box for storing DVDs.
    To + infinitive
    When we want to talk about someone's intention or goal, about why they are doing something, we need to use 'to + infinitive'. In this case, the subject of the sentence is a person.
    • I went to London to study English. (NOT: for studying / for study.)
    • I'm going home to relax. (NOT: for relaxing / for relax.)
    • She sat down to read.
    • He went to the library to study.
    For + noun
    We can also use 'for' with a noun (NOT with verb-ing) to talk about someone's intentions or goals.
    • I went to the shop for milk.
    • I went to the shop to buy milk.
    • NOT: I went to the shop for buying milk.
    • NOT: I went to the shop for buy milk.
    In order to
    We can use 'in order to' or 'so as to' instead of 'to + infinitive'. This just makes it a bit clearer that we are talking about goals or intentions and it's also a bit more formal. It doesn't change the meaning.
    • I went to London in order to study English.
    • I went to London so as to study English.
    Verb patterns
    Some verbs (or adjectives or nouns) need 'to + infinitive' or 'for + verb-ing' as part of their patterns. This is different from the uses I've talked about above, because here we are not always talking about purpose. 'To + infinitive' and 'for + verb-ing' don't have a special meaning when they are part of a verb pattern. It's just that this construction always follows this verb or adjective. These are some examples, but there are many more.
    • Decide + to + infinitive: I've decided to go home.
    • Promise + to + infinitive: She promised to arrive early.
    • Ask someone + to + infinitive: John asked Lucy to pass the salt.
    • Want + to + infinitive: I want to buy a new coat.
    • Be sorry + for + verb-ing / noun: I'm sorry for breaking your vase.
    • Apologise + for + verb-ing / noun: He apologised for forgetting about the meeting.
    • Thank someone + for + verb-ing / noun: Thank you for helping me.
    • Reward someone for + verb-ing / noun: The police rewarded him for finding the stolen car.

    Try an exercise about using 'for + verb-ing' and 'to + infinitive' here.
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