Function & Purpose
Stating Function, Purpose & Means
Stating Function
| STATEMENT | FUNCTION FOR VERB+ING | |
|---|---|---|
What is it? |
What's it for? |
|
|
It is a box cutter. |
It is for opening boxes. |
|
It is string. |
It is for tying up boxes. |
|
It is postal tape. |
It is for taping boxes. |

Common Mistakes
| ERROR | FIX |
|---|---|
Why did you come here? |
Why did you come here? |
Contrast
Function, Purpose and Means
Stating Function vs. Purpose
The meaning is similar, the focus is different.
| FUNCTION - GERUND | PURPOSE OR INTENT - INFINITIVE |
|---|---|
What's it for? (focus on thing) |
Why do you use it? (focus on person) |
It is for opening boxes. |
I use it (in order) to open boxes. |
It is for tying up boxes. |
I use it (in order) to tie boxes. |
It is for taping boxes. |
I use it (in order) to tape boxes. |
Review - Infinitives with "in order to"
Stating Means
The meaning is similar, the focus is different.
| METHOD - BY + GERUND PHRASE | MEANS - WITH + NOUN PHRASE |
|---|---|
How? (action) |
How? (focus on tool) |
You can open it by using a boxcutter. |
You can open it with a boxcutter. |
You can open it by cutting the string. |
You can open it with scissors. |
You can open it by tearing open the end. |
You can open it with a letter opener. |
Review - Means and Methods "by"
Review - Means and Methods "by & with"
Practice
- Select the word from each menu that best completes the sentence.
- Compare your response to the answer by clicking the "check" button to the right.
Index Grammar-Quizzes | Previous By / With | Next Special Verbs



