To me, "used to" and "used for" are incompatible, as shown in the examples below. However, I am unable to substantiate this. MS Word doesn't "see" the differences, so I turned to "Essential grammar in use" (Murphy) and "The Chicago manual of style", but still come up with nothing. And the Internet has proven totally unreliable. Please follow my reasoning:
Used ”to” or ”for”?
"button is used for": 2,250,000 hits "button is used to" : 3,260,000 hits
Sentences below checked in MS Word English US: (My interpretation in parentheses)
The button is used to open the dialog. (Wrong) The hammer is used to break the glass. (Wrong) John is used to read data. (Wrong) The button is used for opening the dialog. (Correct) (= a tool for opening) The hammer is used for breaking the glass. (Correct) (= a tool for breaking) John is used for reading data. (Wrong) The button is used to opening the dialog. (Wrong) The hammer is used to breaking the glass. (Wrong) John is used to reading data. (Correct) (= in the habit of reading)
Grammar check results: No corrections whatsoever – Grammar check simply doesn’t react to the above sentences, not even those that are obviously wrong. In lieu of further guidance, I will have to rely on my own interpretation, as stated above.
Correct or wrong?