I recently wondered about the use of "to use" and other verbs when expressing the purpose of an action.
I noticed that purpose is often expressed by having a verb followed by "for" and a progressive form, as in the following example:
- For memorizing her shopping list, my grandma started using a cell phone.
Alternatively, this seemed acceptable, too:
- (In order) To memorize her shopping list, my grandma started using a cell phone.
However, I recently received corrections for a text in which I frequently used to former version in conjunction with the word "to use".
This was changed by the corrector every single time, and I do not quite understand the reason for that.
Consider the following sentences:
- I used a short example to explain my main ideas.
- I used a short example for explaining my main ideas.
Is one of the two phrases incorrect or somehow discouraged? If so: Why is that, and what is the difference between "to use" and other verbs?
NOTE:
The example above may be more clear when switching to passive phrases:
- A short example was used to explain the main ideas.
- A short example was used for explaining the main ideas.
I think having "was used to" in that sentence makes it sound weird. That is why I preferred the version with "for" until now.
Best Answer
Here are two examples that may help.
A crowbar was used to open the door. This describes how the door-opening action was performed. The door could have been opened with a key instead.
The crowbar was used for opening doors. This describes how the crowbar was employed. It could alternatively have been used for breaking ice.
You may like to apply this reasoning to your own sentences. You can use simple word substitution. I think you will find it illuminating.
I hope this is useful.