Skip to main content
A2 grammar lessons
A2 · Lesson 21

Infinitive of purpose

Use to plus a base verb to explain why someone does something.

Learning goal

Connect an action with its purpose in simple sentences.

14 minutes

Lesson plus a 10-question session

Infinitive of purpose

Use to plus a base verb to explain why someone does something.

When do we use it?

Connect an action with its purpose in simple sentences.

Form

Use to + base verb to answer why.

  • I went out to buy milk.
  • She called to ask a question.
  • We study to learn.

Key contrast

Look for the subject, noun type, sentence form and time expression before choosing.

Common mistakes

  • I went to buying milk.I went to buy milk.
  • She called for ask.She called to ask.

Remember

Use to plus a base verb to explain why someone does something.

Quick check

  • Read the complete sentence.
  • Find the grammar clue.
  • Choose the form that fits both meaning and structure.