English Grammar for ESL learners
FOR - TO
(purpose or reason)
It is sometimes not clear what structure to use to talk about
the use of an object
as opposed to the reason for using the object .
as opposed to the reason for using the object .
- Use or function of things/objects
To explain the function of an object, what it is used for, we use for followed by
a noun or a verb in the -ing form.
- What is this sponge for? (= What is its purpose or function?)
It is for cleaning the sink. - What's this knife for? (= What do you use it for?)
It's for opening oysters. - What's the new suit for? (= What are you going to wear it for?)
It's for my new job. I want to make a good impression! - What's that knob for?
It's for turning on the radiator.
- What is this sponge for? (= What is its purpose or function?)
- Reason for doing something
To explain why we do something, the reason for which it is done, we use the infinitive (example: to do).
- What do you use this sponge for? (=
Why do you use it?)
I use it to clean the sink. - Why did you turn on the radio? (= What did you turn
on the radio for?)
I turned on the radio to listen to the news. - Why are you running?
I'm running to catch the bus. - Why do you study every day?
I study every day to improve my level of English. - Why did you go to London?
I went to London to visit Buckingham Palace.
- What do you use this sponge for? (=
Why do you use it?)
Please note that British English spelling is used on this website.