English (UK) · Gerund or Infinitive

Purpose: to, for, so that

To say why someone does something, English uses three patterns:

to + verb: I went to the supermarket to buy milk. More formal: in order to.
for + noun: I went to the supermarket for some milk. Let's go out for a walk.
so that + subject + verb, often with can, could, won't, wouldn't: She's saving money so that she can travel. In everyday speech, so alone is common.

Do not use for to or for + -ing to give the reason for an action: I came here to learn English (not for to learn or for learning).

Quick check: a verb follows → to; a noun follows → for; a subject and a verb follow → so that.

Examples

I went to the supermarket buy some milk.Show answer

I went to the supermarket to buy some milk.

I went to the supermarket some milk.Show answer

I went to the supermarket for some milk.

She's saving money she can travel next year.Show answer

She's saving money so that she can travel next year.

We got up early catch the first train.Show answer

We got up early to catch the first train.

Let's go out a walk.Show answer

Let's go out for a walk.

Speak slowly everyone can understand you.Show answer

Speak slowly so that everyone can understand you.

He's studying hard pass his exams.Show answer

He's studying hard to pass his exams.

We went to a restaurant dinner.Show answer

We went to a restaurant for dinner.

I'll write down the address I don't forget it.Show answer

I'll write down the address so that I don't forget it.

I'm calling book a table for four.Show answer

I'm calling to book a table for four.