Why-answers with to + verb (I went out to buy bread); for + noun vs to + verb; negative purpose with so as not to
I can express purpose with to + verb and for + noun, including negative purpose.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
We left at dawn to catch the first ferry to the island.
We left at dawn to catch the first ferry to the island.
I tiptoed downstairs so as not to wake the whole house.
I tiptoed downstairs so as not to wake the whole house.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Purpose = to + verb:
| Pattern | Example |
|---|---|
| to + verb | I went out to buy bread. |
| for + noun | I went out for bread. |
| NOT for + -ing (purpose) | *I went out for buying bread |
Answering why: Why did you call? - To ask about Friday. A bare to-phrase is a complete answer. Negative purpose: so as not to / in order not to wake the baby (not *to not wake).
Apply this grammar in A2 course exercises
Practice Exercisesfor + -ing for purpose
Purpose: to + verb; for + noun
to not + verb
so as not to / in order not to
We left at dawn to catch the first ferry to the island.
We left at dawn to catch the first ferry to the island.
to catch: purpose without conjunction or comma.
I tiptoed downstairs so as not to wake the whole house.
I tiptoed downstairs so as not to wake the whole house.
so as not to: the negative purpose pattern.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in A2 course exercises