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Could you please tell me which are grammatically correct

Whether To+verb or for+ verb+ing?

He called me to repair the computer or ... for repairing the computer"

"I am here to repair the computer or ... for repairing the computer"

"He invited me to repair the computer or ... for repairing the computer"

gotube
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Bilal Zafar
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    There are several questions on these constructions. There is no doubt that "to repair" is the only idiomatic form in each case. The "for repairing" form is borderline ungrammatical. The reason is complex, but the linked duplicate has a longish discussion. – James K Feb 19 '22 at 17:35
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    The only one that makes much sense to me is "I am here to repair the computer". I'm not quite sure what you mean by the others, so I'd avoid all of them. Sorry. Can you explain the situation or context more, then it might be easier to help you. Thanks. – Billy Kerr Feb 19 '22 at 17:52
  • @James K thank you for the link. It was useful. Can you also tell me what is meant by birderkine ungrammatical pls. – Bilal Zafar Feb 19 '22 at 19:45

1 Answers1

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Correct: He called me to repair the computer. I am here to repair the computer. He invited me to repair the computer. (NOT for repairing)

We don't use 'for' before a verb to talk about purpose. Instead, we use to + infinitive.

She went to Canada to attend the conference. He is studying everyday to improve his English. I am going to New York to visit my grandmother. I went there to buy a watch.

[[ We can use for before a noun to talk about a purpose.

I went to Paris for an interview. He went to the pub for a drink. He is studying hard for the exam.

We can use before a verb to talk about the purpose of a thing. (the reason why we use it)

We use an altimeter measur height above sea level. That stuff is (used) clean leather. The garden shears are used clip the hedge. He wears these old trousers paint.]]

Mohammad Farukh Ahmad
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  • But we do use "for" to talk about purpose: "Wallets are for* holding money and credit cards". This means the purpose* of a wallet is holding money and credit cards. Please explain how [ "for" + gerund ] differs from [ "to" + base form ] in terms of talking about purpose – gotube Feb 20 '22 at 08:30
  • We can use to talk about the purpose of a thing. (the reason why we use it) ''Wallets are hold money and credit cards.'' We use an altimeter measur height above sea level. That stuff is (used) clean leather. The garden shears are used clip the hedge. He wears these old trousers paint. – Mohammad Farukh Ahmad Feb 20 '22 at 08:52