[Grammar] spend money "to do" or spend money "doing"

[englishteacher79]

I know the pattern for "spend" is normally "spend money doing" not "spend money to do".

For example, you'd say, "Yesterday, I spent money buying two bags."

However, the "to + base verb" can also be used to talk about "purpose".

For example, I'm going to the shops to buy some shoes - the purpose of going to the shops is to buy some shoes.

Is there thus any way you could use the "to + base verb" pattern after "spend money"

For example, "The people should spend more time to improve their English" or "The government should spend more money to help the poor people"?

Thanks.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Yes. Your last example is particularly good.