We use used to and used for to describe how materials are used. We use made of and made from to talk about the materials that a product consists of. 

used to
Rubber is used to make the pedals.
= subject + is / are used to + infinitive

used for
Leather is used for making footballs.
= is / are used for + -ing form

We can use used to and used for in a similar way.
Nylon is used to make / used for making a lot of different products.

Note: Don't confuse these expressions with be used to + -ing form, which means 'be accustomed to'. 

made of
Some bottles are made of plastic
= subject + is / are made of + noun

made from
Steel is made from iron and carbon.
= subject + is / are made from + noun 

Made from emphasizes the result of a process, while made of simply lists the materials that a product consists of. However, in practice, these expressions are often used to have the same meaning.
Some bottles are made of / made from plastic.
Steel is made of / made from iron and carbon.

Last modified: Monday, 8 April 2024, 2:29 AM