prepositions - "In order to...", "To..." or "For..."


What preposition should we use to start a sentence where we first explain a purpose and then a method to achieve it?


Example 1


Purpose = pass the exams


Method = study a lot




  • In order to pass the exams, you have to study a lot.




  • To pass the exams, you have to study a lot.




  • *For passing the exams, you have to study a lot. (incorrect - see accepted answer)




Example 2


Purpose = find an object in the database


Method = run a SQL query




  • In order to find the object in the database, users have to run a SQL query.




  • To find the object in the database, users have to run a SQL query.




  • *For finding the object in the database, users have to run a SQL query. (incorrect - see accepted answer)





Answer



"For passing" and "for finding" are not correct. "In order to" and "To" are correct, but I favour "To" because it is more concise:



To pass the exams, you have to study a lot.


To find the object in the database, users have to run a SQL query.



A more natural way of saying this is:



You have to study a lot to pass the exams.


Users have to run a SQL query to find the object in the database.



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