main action + to + base verbSay the action first, then add to + base verb to show purpose.
Infinitive of Purpose
A2Use to + base verb after an action to say why someone does it: I went to the shop to buy milk.
What you'll learn
- Show purpose with to + base verb after an action.
- Place the purpose phrase after the main action.
- Use the base verb after to, not -ing or past form.
- Use this pattern with everyday actions like go, come, call, and stop.
- Recognize that the phrase answers the question why.
Structure
subject + verb + object/place + to + base verbThe purpose phrase often comes after the main action and its object or place.
Build a sentence
Main action
Purpose verb
I went to the shoptobuymilk
I went to the shop to buy milk.
Use to + base verb to show why the action happened.
When to use
Errands
Use it after go or come to show the goal of the trip. Maria went downtown to meet a client.
Calls and messages
Use it after call, text, or email to show the reason. Tom called Lisa to ask a question.
Quick actions
Use it after actions like stop, sit down, or open something. Anna stopped to tie her shoe.
Markers
gocomecallstopopensit down
Common mistakes
Wrong
I went to the store for buy milk.
Correct
I went to the store to buy milk.
Use to + base verb to show purpose. For + verb is not correct here.
Wrong
She went outside to meeting Tom.
Correct
She went outside to meet Tom.
After to, use the base verb, not the -ing form.
Wrong
I called Anna to asked a question.
Correct
I called Anna to ask a question.
After to, the verb stays in the base form, not the past form.
Wrong
He opened the app check the address.
Correct
He opened the app to check the address.
The purpose verb needs the marker to.
Wrong
To buy milk, I went the shop.
Correct
I went to the shop to buy milk.
In this pattern, say the main action first and then add the purpose part.
Common misconceptions
❝ If I add to + verb, it means two separate actions with no link. ❞
The to + verb part gives the reason for the first action. It answers why the person did it.
❝ After to, I can use any verb form. ❞
After to in this pattern, use the base verb only: to buy, to call, to check.
Skills in this rule (5)
USE_TO_PLUS_VERB_FOR_PURPOSEw5Use to + verb to show why someone does something
Add to + base verb after an action when you want to show its purpose. The first action happens so the second action can happen.
PLACE_TO_PURPOSE_AFTER_ACTIONw4Place to + verb after the main action
Say the main action first, then add to + verb. This pattern is common after go, come, stop, sit down, call, and similar actions.
KEEP_BASE_VERB_AFTER_TOw5Keep the verb in base form after to
After to, use the base verb: to buy, to call, to study. Do not add -ing, past tense, or another marker there.
USE_WITH_MOVEMENT_AND_DAILY_ACTIONSw3Use this pattern with movement and everyday actions
This pattern is common when someone goes, comes, stops, sits down, calls, or opens something for a clear reason. It answers the question why.
RECOGNIZE_PURPOSE_QUESTIONw3Recognize that the phrase answers why
A purpose phrase gives the reason for the action, not the result and not extra description. You can often test it with the question why?