Gerunds and Infinitives for Purpose

Grammar – Gerunds and Infinitives for Purpose

Gerunds and infinitives are a part of English grammar that many English learners find challenging. In this post, I will help you understand when to use a gerund or infinitive to describe the purpose of someone or something.
In English, both gerunds and infinitives can be used to talk about the reason why we use or do something.

Gerunds

A gerund is a verb that acts like a noun. To form a gerund, add –ing to the end of the verb.
To describe the purpose of something, use for + gerund:

What is a hair dryer for?
A hair dryer is for drying hair.
What is this program for?
This computer program is for editing videos.

*Notice that in the above sentences, the thing being described is the subject of the sentence.
More example sentences:

My lips are for kissing!
Be quiet! A library is for studying, not for socializing!

~

Infinitives

An infinitive is the to + verb form. To describe the purpose of someone, use an infinitive.

What do you use a hair dryer for?
I use a hair dryer to dry my hair.
Why did you go to the store?
I went to the store to buy some milk.
Why are you going to Toronto?
I‘m going to Toronto to learn English

More example sentences:

I use my lips to kiss!
Be quiet! I come to the library to study, not to socialize!