the only way to do vs the only way for doing

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'The only way to do' is used when referring to the method or manner in which something is done, while 'the only way for doing' is used when indicating the purpose or reason for doing something.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 1450 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the method or manner in which something is done.

"the only way to do"

This phrase is used to indicate the specific method or manner in which an action is carried out. It is followed by the base form of the verb.

Examples:

The only way to do this is by following the instructions.
There is only one way to do it correctly.
What is the only way to do this task?
She found the only way to do it efficiently.
Is there any other way to do this?

Show examples from the web [+]

And the only way to do that is to let go of the past.
- The only way to do it right.
But college isn't the only way to do that.
That is the only way to do it.
No, the only way to do that is to actually take it out.
The only way to do it is just gently go in here...
That's the only way to do it.
Unfortunately, the only way to do that was through a van of feral cats.
We must make it easier to understand EU law and the only way to do this is through codification, recasting or something similar.
If we want to be serious about economic governance, that is the only way to do it.
If we're to survive, or for that matter, get back to Earth one day, then I'm convinced that this chair is the only way to do that.
And the only way to do that is to make sure that everything else overpowers that mistake.
And the only way to do that is, first, you don't deny how bad it is.
And the only way to do that is to kill all the carriers.
And right now the only way to do that is to make sure that the sacrifice these people made for me counts.
this is the only way to do it.
Look, the legion ring is the only way to do it.
We got to find Shelburne before Wo Fat does, and I figure, the only way to do that is talk to the people closest to him.
If we want to capture Ethan, we have to ensnare him, and the only way to do that is by giving him what he wants.
Because she needed the world to believe she was dead, and the only way to do it convincingly was if you believed it too.

Alternatives:

the only way of doing
the only method to do
the sole way to do
the exclusive way to do
the unique way to do

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when indicating the purpose or reason for doing something.

"the only way for doing"

This phrase is used to express the purpose or reason for doing something. It is followed by a gerund (verb+ing).

Examples:

The only way for doing well in the exam is to study hard.
What is the only way for doing this task efficiently?
She found the only way for doing it right.
There is only one way for doing it properly.
Is there any other way for doing this?

Show examples from the web [+]

I just want to keep us safe, and the only way of doing that is by making sure he's no longer a threat.
The only way they could be doing that is with help from the inside.
Look, this is the only way I can keep doing what I do and make sure my kids are protected.
I want to sort this out and I think that's probably the only way of doing it.
The only way to stop him doing that is by being on the front page of the national press every morning and by being on the TV news every night.
The only efficient way of doing this is through common action.
This is a field where subsidiarity means that this matter must compulsorily be dealt with at European level which is the only efficient way of doing so.
Because I had to make sure that I could get to turn two first and one of the only way of doing it is a little bit of oversteer makes the guy a little nervous that you're getting close,
The only effective way of doing that is through intergovernmental talks and Mr Solana, who has just left us, is right to concentrate his efforts in that direction.
And there are only two ways of doing this.
This person only knows one way of doing it.
However, I say this to you most sincerely: if we only go half way to doing this and once again rely on military force, we will squander our chances.
There's only one way of doing that, and it's my way.
It was the only way for Tracy to regain custody.
This is the only way for Ramber...
That not finding a cure might be the only way for her and Nick to have a normal life together.
The only way for Ridley to prove the legitimacy of his mission.
I thought it was the only way for us to stay together.
It's the only way for you now.
The only way for Blair to move on is if she thinks I never will.

Alternatives:

the only way to do
the only method for doing
the sole way for doing
the exclusive way for doing
the unique way for doing

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the only way to do vs the only way for doing

"the only way to do"

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