The wordsfor, so andto can all be used to indicate purpose, but they are not interchangeable. That means they are used in different structures.
Complete the following sentences using so, for and to.
1Susie talked to the girl ............... that she wouldn’t feel left out.
Wrong!
Use "so" before "that" to introduce the purpose of Susie's action.
2We are going there ............... finalize the contract.
Wrong!
Use "to" before the base verb "finalize" to express purpose.
3An altimeter is used ............... measure height above sea level.
Wrong!
Use "to" before the base verb "measure" to describe the purpose of an instrument.
4I will take it back to the shop ............... get a replacement.
Wrong!
Use "to" before the base verb "get" to express purpose.
5I will need the car, ............... you will have to take a taxi.
Wrong!
Use "so" to connect a situation with its result.
6Send the letter by speed post ............... that she will get it before Tuesday.
Wrong!
Use "so" before "that" to introduce the intended result of sending the letter quickly.
7We stopped at the pub ............... a drink.
Wrong!
Use "for" before the noun phrase "a drink" to express purpose.
8A barometer is used ............... measuring atmospheric pressure.
Wrong!
Use "for" before the gerund "measuring" to describe the purpose of an instrument.
9People often go traveling ............... find themselves.
Wrong!
Use "to" before the base verb "find" to express purpose.
10Take some fruit ............... eat on the way.
Wrong!
Use "to" before the base verb "eat" to express purpose.
Answers
- Susie talked to the girl so that she wouldn’t feel left out.
- We are going there to finalize the contract.
- An altimeter is used to measure height above sea level.
- I will take it back to the shop to get a replacement.
- I will need the car, so you will have to take a taxi.
- Send the letter by speed post so that she will get it before Tuesday.
- We stopped at the pub for a drink.
- A barometer is used for measuring atmospheric pressure.
- People often go traveling to find themselves.
- Take some fruit to eat on the way.
