to+infinitive+noun vs for+present participle+noun

[Monique Gr.]

Hello,

I would like to know what the difference is, if there is any, between sentences like:

I need this article to show the mistake
I need this article for showing the mistake

They went to see that film to prove their point
They went ot see that film for proving their point

I think that for+present participle+noun is wrong, but cannot find any arguments for that apart from that it does not feel right to me.

Regards,
Monique

[naomimalan]

Hello,

I would like to know what the difference is, if there is any, between sentences like:

I need this article to show the mistake
I need this article for showing the mistake

They went to see that film to prove their point
They went ot see that film for proving their point

I think that for+present participle+noun is wrong, but cannot find any arguments for that apart from that it does not feel right to me.

Regards,
Monique

With to + infinitive, you're talking about a particular purpose.
With for + gerund, you're talking about a general purpose: This is a case for keeping records in / A corkscrew is a tool for opening bottles*.

*A.J.Thomson and A.V. Martinet, “A Practical English Grammar”, Fourth Edition, rubric 334