Infinitives and gerunds

English Grammar: Gerunds and Infinitives for Purpose

Gerunds and infinitives are a part of English grammar that many English learners find challenging.

In English, both gerunds and infinitives can be used to talk about the reason 
why we use or do something.

Let’s begin with an example. This is a hair dryer:

There are two ways you can talk about the purpose of the hair dryer. Compare these two sentences …

A hair dryer is for drying hair.

I use a hair dryer to dry my hair.

Can you see the difference between the two sentences above?

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.

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

Exercise 1: Gerunds and Infinitives

Exercise 2:  Gerunds and Infinitives