How to express why we do something (purpose)

to + infinitive
- to say why we do something (the purpose behind our actions)
- “Grund” in German
Examples
- He bought some flowers to give his wife.
- I went to the shop to buy some apples.
- He locked the door to keep everyone out.
- I stopped by his office to have a chat.
- Let’s go to the pub to have a drink.
- We climbed to the top of the mountain to enjoy/to watch the view.

for + noun
- to say why we do something (the purpose behind our actions)
- “Grund” in German
- never use “for + verb-ing” to express why we do something. If you want to use a verb to express
purpose use “to + infinitive”. *
Examples
- He bought some flowers for his wife.
- I went to the shop for some apples.
- He locked the door for the purpose of keeping everyone out.
- I stopped by his office for a chat.
- Let’s go to the pub for a drink.
- We climbed to the top of the mountain for the views.

Common Mistakes
* I bought this book for having something to read on the plane. = wrong
I bought this book to have something to read on the plane. = right

for + V-ing
- to talk about the purpose or function of an object or how something is used.
- Do not use “for + verb-ing” to say why we do something (the purpose of our actions).
Examples
- This machine is used for cleaning cars.
- This is a special camera for photographing small objects.
- I need something for storing CDs.
- Schools are for learning.
- This kitchen knife is for slicing vegetables.

Common Mistakes
- I work hard for improving my English. = wrong
- I work hard to improve my English = right
- Turn on the TV for watching the news. = wrong
- Turn on the TV to watch the news. = right
so that
- to say why we do something (the purpose behind our actions)
- it is like saying “for the purpose of”
- use when you want a specific result or you have a specific goal. In other words, you have an
intention (“Absicht”) or plan

Structure
So that + can, could, will, would
Examples
- I study hard so that I can get good grades.
- I saved money every month so that I could go on a fantastic vacation.
- I practice yoga regularly, so that it will bring me inner peace.
- I eat a healthy breakfast, so that it will give me energy for the day.
- I watered the plants every day so that they would grow strong and healthy.

- I turn off my phone at night so that I do not get disturbed while sleeping.
- I stretch before exercising so that I do not hurt my muscles.
- I plan my work schedule so that I do not have last-minute stress.
- I set an alarm so that I wouldn't oversleep for the meeting.

so
- It is used to show a logical consequence or a logical result
- It is used to show a natural consequence
- it shows a cause and effect relationship between two actions or events
- [cause], so [effect]

Examples
- I was hungry, so I ate.
- The printer was broken, so we couldn’t use it.
- I missed the bus, so I arrived late to the meeting.
- I didn’t water the plants, so they died.

Your turn
The movie was boring ____ we stopped watching it.

She is studying Spanish ____ she can communicate when she moves to Spain next year.
The movie was boring, _______ we stopped watching it. Answer = so. We aren't talking about
purpose here. We are talking about the result.

She is studying Spanish ______ she can communicate when she moves to Spain next year.
Answer = so (that). We are talking about purpose here, not result. We don't know the result because it
will happen in the future.s