to or and

[allthewayanime]

In these examples could 'and' and 'to' be both used correctly:

e.g. Go to open the window.
Go and open the window.

I know that the best version is with 'and' but why couldn't 'to' be used (as ' in order to open the window')?

[Gillnetter]

In these examples could 'and' and 'to' be both used correctly:

e.g. Go to open the window. Leave this place and travel to a place where the window is with the intent being to open the window.
Go and open the window. Leave this place and, in your journey, open the window.

I know that the best version is with 'and' but why couldn't 'to' be used (as ' in order to open the window')?

They are pretty much the same though there is a subtle difference.
"It's very warm here".
"Well you can change that".
"How?"
"Go and open the window."

"I am going to Asia."
"Fine, have a nice trip".
"I'm leaving now".
"Go and (by the way) open the window".

[TheParser]

[QUOTE=allthewayanime;826833]


NOT A TEACHER


In the United States, many speakers prefer:

It's very hot in here. Go open the window.

[hooshdar3]

In these examples could 'and' and 'to' be both used correctly:

e.g. Go to open the window.
Go and open the window.

I know that the best version is with 'and' but why couldn't 'to' be used (as ' in order to open the window')?

(Not a teacher)

The first describes the purpose for going and stresses the intention of it.
The second doesn't.

[5jj]

The sentence 'Go to open the window' sounds very unnatural to me. For me, the instruction is always 'Go and open the window', though I have heard the AmE 'Go open the window'.

In non-imperative sentences, 'to' is fine for purpose/intention - 'He went to open the window'.