for/purpose

[FW]

Is this sentence correct:

1-I am living for providing my family with what they need.

I was told to use "to" when I wanted to express purpose after a verb, as in:
2-I am going there to learn English.

and I was told that in this structure "for" expresses cause, as in:
3-I am in prison for stealing. (because I stole)

but recently I heard this sentence in a song:
4-I am living for giving the devil his due.
and started having doubts.

I know that song lyrics aren't always grammatically correct.

[RonBee]

Is this sentence correct:

1-I am living for providing my family with what they need.

I was told to use "to" when I wanted to express purpose after a verb, as in:
2-I am going there to learn English.

We would normally say to provide. (You could also say for the purpose of.)

and I was told that in this structure "for" expresses cause, as in:
3-I am in prison for stealing. (because I stole)

That is correct.

but recently I heard this sentence in a song:
4-I am living for giving the devil his due.
and started having doubts.

I know that song lyrics aren't always grammatically correct.

You might hear just about anything in a song.

:wink:

[FW]

You might hear just about anything in a song.

Well said. Have you ever thought of writing a song about that?! It could come out pretty funny. A song complaining about the way songs are written!
Thanks.

[RonBee]

You might hear just about anything in a song.

Well said. Have you ever thought of writing a song about that?!

Nope, but it might be a good idea.

:wink: