Infinitives of purpose

How to use infinitives of purpose

English has different verb forms. A full infinitive is to + verb.

For example, to eat.

Why we do something

When a full infinitive is used at the end of a sentence to explain why

we do something, it is called the infinitive of purpose. This only
works with verbs, not nouns.

•I went home to eat.

•He's going to the gym to lose weight.
•I will work hard to make more money.
Nouns

To explain why we do something using

a noun, we use for.

•I went home for food.

•He's going to the gym for exercise.
•I will work hard for money
Helping

We can also use for to talk about doing something

to help someone.

•I bought this car for you to drive.

•There's a cake on the table for you to eat.
Practice time
1 Sheila went by bus. She wanted to save money.

Sheila went by bus to save money.

2 Peter has a part-time job. He needs to get some extra money.

Peter has a part-time job to get some extra money.

3 My mother went to the post office. She had to post some letters.

My mother went to the post office to post some l

etters.
Complete the sentences below using infinitives
Mary stayed at college until 9 pm…

Peter sent Mary an e-card. ..

Paul did some exercises. ..

She’s gone to the supermarket. ..

I am studying at ASSF. ..

They have gone to town…

We are on a diet. ..

I phoned my grandparents last night. ..

My friend is organising a party. ..