TO, FOR AND SO

THAT
TO+ INFINITIVE VERB
These structures express purpose and answer the question why something is done.
We use 'to + verb' to say why we do something.
When we want to talk about someone’s intention or goal, about why they are doing something,
we need to use ‘to + infinitive’. In this case, the subject of the sentence is a person.
I went to London to study English. (NOT: for studying / for study.)
I’m going home to relax. (NOT: for relaxing / for relax.)
She sat down to read.
He went to the library to study.
    Examples: I'm going to Ireland to visit my family.
  I went to the post office to buy some stamps.
SO THAT+ SUBJECT + VERB
   This structure is also frequently used to talk about purpose.
  -It is normally followed by modal such as can or will.
   Example: I am saving money so that I can buy a new car.
-When the result is negative
Example: I want to buy an ebook reader so that I don’t have to carry lots of books with me.

NOTE: So that is used to describe that we do something to get a specific result (purpose).
I’ll call Sam so that he he’ll know where to go.
To describe the result itself we use only use so (consequence)
I didn’t wake up on time, so I missed my flight.
FOR + NOUN
We can also use ‘for’ with a noun (NOT with verb-
ing) to talk about someone’s intentions or goals.
I went to the shop for milk.
She went there for a job interview.
They stopped at a café for some lunch.
FOR + …ING

We use ‘for + verb-ing’ to talk about the function of an object. It’s used when we want to explain
what something is generally used for or what its purpose is.
We DON’T use ‘for + infinitive’.
A camera is for taking photos. (NOT: for take photos.)
The headphones are for listening to music. What’s this for? (= what does this do / what is the
function or purpose of this object?)
This knife is for chopping onions.
IN ORDER TO, SO AS TO: PURPOSE
• In order to
• So as to               
 We can also use 'in order to' or 'so as to'.
   Examples: I'm going to Ireland in order to visit my family.
  I went to the post office so as to buy some stamps.
1-  'in order to' and 'so as to' are more common before stative verbs like:  be, have, know, appear, seem, understand,
etc.
 Example: she left work early in order to be at home with the children.

 2-  Before a negative infinitive, we normally use 'so as' or 'in order'.
  Example: I am leaving now so as not to be late.
 (not: I am leaving now not to be late).

   3-  Do not use 'for' before the infinitive of purpose.

 Example: I phoned Jenny to invite her to dinner.
  (not: I phoned Jenny for invite her to dinner).