"but to do" vs "but for doing"

Question

"but to do" vs "but for doing"

Both "but to do" and "but for doing" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "But to do" is used to express an action that needs to be done, while "but for doing" is used to indicate the purpose or reason for doing something.

Last Updated: April 03, 2024

This phrase is used to express an action that needs to be done in a sentence. It indicates the necessity or requirement of performing a particular task.

Examples:

I have no choice but to do my homework.
She had nothing left but to do what was asked of her.
There was nothing left for him but to do the right thing.
He had no option but to do as he was told.
There is no other way but to do it yourself.

Alternatives:

have to do
need to do
must do
ought to do
required to do

This phrase is used to indicate the purpose or reason for doing something. It is often used to explain the motivation behind an action.

Examples:

He had no choice but for doing what he did.
There was no reason left but for doing it that way.
She had no alternative but for doing what was necessary.
I have no option but for doing what is right.
There is no other explanation but for doing it this way.

Alternatives:

because of doing
due to doing
for the purpose of doing
with the intention of doing
in order to do

Answer 1

but to do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

but for doing

This phrase is correct but less commonly used in English compared to "but to do".