Thread: for vs. to

Would you please help me?


which one is correct? I think both are correct, but their meaning is difference.


Computers are made to calculate big numbers.


Computers are made for calculating big numbers.



Or, in which situation do you use number1 and number 2?

This is very interesting ...

Originally Posted by nima_persian

Computers are made to calculate big numbers.

Computers are made for calculating big numbers.

These two sentences are virtually identical.

Interesting. I sense a tiny difference between them, but I can't put it into words.

We stopped at the pub for buying a drink.

We stopped at the pub to buy a drink.

The second sentence ("to buy") is commonly used. The first sentence ("for buying") is awkward and is never used. Having said that, I will say that many people could probably guess correctly at the meaning of the first sentence, partly because the sentence is short and simple.

And I don't know why "for calculating" in the first example is perfectly acceptable, but "for buying" in the second example is not acceptable.

It is odd, but I get the distinct impression that #1 provides a reason for why computers are made, and #2 provides a reason for what purpose/function computers serves. I suppose the differences (if there really are any) blurs somewhat when reading both sentences over and over again.

Q1: Why did you build that computer?
A1: To calculate big numbers.

Q2: What purpose/function does the computer you've build serve?
A2: For calculating big numbers.

I suppose the difference between the usage of either answers depends on how the question is phrased (if as a response to a question), or prioritising what information to impart (if not as a response to a question).

Thank you so much
Nevertheless,


Would you please tell me What is your opinion about this? would you possibly elaborate your explanations more? many thanks


For' is correct here.
"Computers are made for [the purpose of] calculating big numbers."


"Computers are made to calculate big numbers" means that someone is forcing them to calculate big numbers.
As in: "I was made to clean my room before I was allowed to go outside."
.................................................. .................................................. .......
Is there any difference between A and B?




In addition, can B can two meanings? If so, I can not write the second explanation as to it.






A.Schools are made for teaching.(the purpose of the schools is teaching.)



B.Schools are made to teach sth to the people:




1. some individuals urged schools to teach sth to the people.


2.?
...




In addition, would you possibly tell me if there is any difference between these?







An altimeter is used for measuring height above sea level.


An altimeter is used to measure height above sea level.



I have just edited this.

Originally Posted by nima_persian

"Computers are made to calculate big numbers" means that someone is forcing them to calculate big numbers.
As in: "I was made to clean my room before I was allowed to go outside."

Oh, no no no. When people are "made" to do something then they are forced/coerced.

• My fraternity made me wear a pink tutu to school for a whole day before they would accept me.
  
• My mother made me eat last night's lima beans for breakfast.
  
• My girlfriend made me go shopping with her.

But, when non-sentient things are "made", they are manufactured for a purpose — no forcing/coercion, although yes, the purpose is inevitable.

• Rolls Royces are made for luxury.
  
• Ferraris are made for speed.
  
• Toyota Priuses are made for economy.

But being manufactured for a purpose does limit (ie, force/coerce) the item's use. For example, a Prius is made for economy, but that doesn't mean that it is also luxurious or fast. A Ferrari is made for speed, but that doesn't mean that it is also luxurious or economical.

An altimeter is used for measuring height above sea level.
An altimeter is used to measure height above sea level.

Again, virtually identical.