For + Gerund Clause
Stating Function
Stating Function
| NAME OR SUBSTANCE | |
|---|---|
When asked What is it? , we respond with the name or substance of the thing. |
|
What is it? |
It is a box cutter. |
It is string. |
|
It is postal tape. |
|
| FUNCTION | |
|---|---|
When asked What is it for? we respond with the function of the thing. A gerund clause is used after for. |
|
What's it for? |
It is for opening boxes. |
It is for tying up boxes. |
|
It is for taping boxes. |
|
Related page By + Gerund
Contrast
Function, Purpose and Means
| FUNCTION - GERUND |
|---|
When we ask What is it for? we focus on the function of the thing. We use for followed by a noun or a gerund. |
What's it for? (focus on instrument) |
It is for boxes. (noun) |
It is for newspapers. |
It is for packages. |
| PURPOSE OR INTENT - INFINITIVE |
|---|
When we ask What do you use it for? we focus on the user. We use an infinitive verb form. |
Why do you use it? (focus on person) |
I use boxcutter to open boxes. |
I use string to tie up newspapers. |
I use postal tape to tape packages. |
Related page In Order to
Stating Method or Means
| METHOD - BY + GERUND PHRASE |
|---|
We use by to indicate a method or means of doing something. By is followed with a gerund phrase. |
How? (method) |
You can open it by using a boxcutter. |
You can open it by cutting the string. |
You can open it by tearing the end. |
| MEANS - WITH + NOUN PHRASE |
|---|
We use with to indicate a method or means of doing something. With is followed by a noun phrase (a tool, implement, system, etc.). |
How? (means, tool, implement) |
You can open it with a boxcutter. |
You can open it with scissors. |
You can open it with a letter opener. |
Related page By + Gerund
Common Mistakes
Errors and Solutions
| ERROR | SOLUTION |
|---|---|
Why did you come here? *I came here for getting a good education. *I came here for to get a good education. *I came here for get a good education. |
I came here to get a good education. (purpose / reason) I came here in order to get a good education. |
What is an education for? *Its for open your mind. |
It's for opening your mind. (function) |
Practice
Functions of Gadgets
Complete the sentence with an expression for function, purpose or means.
- Select the response from the list that best completes the sentence.
- Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "Check 1-10" button at the bottom, or click the "Check" button to the left as you go.