Infinitives and Gerunds for Uses and Purposes
Learn how to express the purpose or use of something using infinitives (to + verb) and gerunds (for + -ing)
β° When do we use Infinitives and Gerunds for Uses and Purposes
We use infinitives and gerunds for uses and purposes to:
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Explain What We Use Something For (Infinitives):
- I use my cell phone to send messages.
- People use computers to work from home.
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Explain What We Use Something For (Gerunds):
- I use my cell phone for sending messages.
- People use computers for working from home.
-
Describe the Function of Objects:
- Some people use their phones to watch videos.
- Some people use their phones for watching videos.
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Express Common Uses and Activities:
- People often use their phones to take photos.
- People often use their phones for taking photos.
π Structure
- Infinitive Pattern:
Subject + use + object + to + base verb - Gerund Pattern:
Subject + use + object + for + verb-ing - General Purpose (Infinitive):
Subject + verb + to + base verb - General Purpose (Gerund):
Subject + verb + for + verb-ing
π Note
Both infinitives and gerunds can express the same meaning when talking about uses and purposes:
- Infinitives (to + verb): More direct and common in everyday speech
- Gerunds (for + -ing): Slightly more formal, emphasizes the activity itself
- Meaning: Both structures have the same meaning and can be used interchangeably
Examples: I use my laptop to study = I use my laptop for studying, She uses her car to commute = She uses her car for commuting.
π¬ Examples
β Infinitive Examples (to + verb)
- I use my cell phone to send messages.
- Some people use their phones to watch videos.
- People often use their phones to take photos.
β Gerund Examples (for + -ing)
- I use my cell phone for sending messages.
- Some people use their phones for watching videos.
- People often use their phones for taking photos.
π More Examples
- I use my computer to/for working.
- She uses her tablet to/for reading books.
- We use this app to/for learning English.
π― Common Uses and Purposes
π± Technology Uses
- Cell phones: to call/for calling people
- Computers: to work/for working
- Tablets: to read/for reading
- Cameras: to capture/for capturing memories
π Household Items
- Kitchen knives: to cut/for cutting food
- Washing machines: to clean/for cleaning clothes
- Cars: to travel/for traveling
- Books: to learn/for learning new things
π― Professional Tools
- Calculators: to solve/for solving math problems
- Microscopes: to examine/for examining samples
- Software: to create/for creating presentations
- Internet: to research/for researching information
π― Practice Exercises
β¬οΈ Interactive exercise will appear here soon.
Ready to Master When to Use “To + Verb” or “-ing” Forms in English?
Distinguishing between infinitives and gerunds for various uses and purposes is a fantastic step to speaking English with greater accuracy and naturalness. It’s how you correctly say “I want to go” versus “I enjoy going“!
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