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To vs. For: What's The Difference? Learn How To Use "To" and "For" in English Sentences

The document discusses the differences between using "to" and "for" as prepositions in English sentences. It explains that "to" is used when the reason or purpose is a verb, while "for" is used when the reason or purpose is a noun. Some key uses of "to" include talking about movement or change, with infinitive verbs, and when comparing two things. Key uses of "for" include expressing thanks or gratitude, talking about a duration of time, and expressing support or agreement. The document concludes with a short quiz to test the reader's understanding of when to use "to" versus "for".

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Sufyan Durani
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182 views2 pages

To vs. For: What's The Difference? Learn How To Use "To" and "For" in English Sentences

The document discusses the differences between using "to" and "for" as prepositions in English sentences. It explains that "to" is used when the reason or purpose is a verb, while "for" is used when the reason or purpose is a noun. Some key uses of "to" include talking about movement or change, with infinitive verbs, and when comparing two things. Key uses of "for" include expressing thanks or gratitude, talking about a duration of time, and expressing support or agreement. The document concludes with a short quiz to test the reader's understanding of when to use "to" versus "for".

Uploaded by

Sufyan Durani
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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To vs. For: What’s the Difference?

Learn How to Use “To” and “For” in English Sentences


“To” and “for” are commonly used as prepositions. Changing a preposition, such as using “to” in the
place of “for,” can completely alter the meaning of a sentence.
Sometimes, if you use the wrong word, you’ll get a sentence that isn’t grammatically correct.
So, let’s begin by talking about one of the most common (and most confusing) uses of “to” and “for”:
Using “To” vs. “For” to Talk About Reasons and Purposes
We frequently use the prepositions “to” and “for” to talk about why  somebody did something. Let’s
look at a few examples.
Why did you travel to London?
I traveled to London  to improve my English.
Why did she buy a cake?
She bought a cake  for her brother’s birthday.
Why are you going home?
I’m going home  to feed my cats.
Why did you go to the museum yesterday?
I went to the museum  for a lecture on modern art.
In sentences like these, “to” and “for” mean the same thing, but they aren’t used in the same way.
For example, if you said, “I’m going home for feed my cats,” that would be incorrect. You need to use
“to.”
So, how do you know when to use “to” and when to use “for”?
It might seem complicated, but the answer is actually very simple. Use “to” when the reason or purpose
is a verb. Use “for” when the reason or purpose is a noun.
That’s all!
Let’s look at some more examples of “to” and “for” used side-by-side:
I bought a present  to give  to Sarah on her birthday.  (verb)
I bought a present  for Sarah’s birthday. (noun)
I drink coffee  to feel  more awake. (verb)
I drink coffee  for its wonderful taste. (noun)
I’m exercising  to stay  healthy. (verb)
I’m exercising  for my health.  (noun)
Once you’ve learned that rule, using “to” and “for” becomes much easier. Now that you’ve mastered
the hardest part, let’s look at some other uses of “to” and “for.”
Other Uses of the Word “To”
Here are some of the situations where we commonly use “to.”
Use “to” when talking about movement or a change in direction
“To” is used as a preposition if there’s movement, a transfer or a change in direction from one point to
another.
For example,
I need you to take these books  to  Mary.
We are going  to  Paris next Tuesday.
In the first example, “to” is used to suggest a transfer of the books from “you” to “Mary.” In the next
example, “to” indicates (shows) a change of place from the speaker’s location to Paris.
Use “to” with English infinitive verbs
Any English verb in the infinitive form will include the word “to.” You will frequently see this
construction in English sentences.
For example,
Nina loves  to talk  on the phone.
When do you want  to eat  dinner?
We’re going  to meet  the Queen tomorrow!
Use “to” when comparing two things
“To” is often used in comparing two things and expressing one’s preferences (likes).
For example,
I prefer coffee  to  tea.
She prefers reading books  to  watching movies.
Other Uses of the Word “For”
Now, it’s time to learn about the word “for.” “For” is used as both a preposition and conjunction, but it’s
much more common as a preposition.
Let’s learn when to use it!
Use “for” when expressing thanks or gratitude
If you want to thank someone, you’ll usually use the word “for” to explain why you’re thanking them.
The word “for” will be followed by a noun or gerund (a verb that ends with “-ing”).
For example,
Thank you  for  teaching me to play the guitar.
Thanks so much  for  the new shoes!
Matthew thanked Brian  for  coming to his birthday party.
Use “for” when talking about a duration of time
“For” is also used to talk about a length of time during which something happened.
For example,
I waited at the station  for  two hours.
They have lived in Ohio  for  eight years.
We’ve known each other  for  a long time.
Use “for” when expressing support and agreement
“For” is used to indicate agreement with or support of a cause.
For example,
Are you  for  or against the women’s movement?
I’m all  for  increasing taxes.
To vs. For: Test Your Understanding with a Simple Quiz
Now it’s time for a short quiz to test your understanding of when to use “for” and “to.” Fill in the blanks
with the right word and check with the answers that are given at the end of it.

1. Jeet went ____ New York ____ see his favorite rock band perform live.
2. I need to give my essay ____ the professor before 5:00.
3. He lived in Paris ____ three years.
4. I’m looking ____  a new job.
5. Are you ____ or against the environmentalist movement?
6. Thank you so much ____ your kind letter.
7. I prefer Rohan ____ Ben.
8. I want ____ eat pizza for dinner.
9. His parents sacrificed so much ____ him.
10. Will you please take these books ____ the library ____ me?

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