LoginTo vs. For
'To' and 'for' are prepositions that may confuse learners. In this lesson, we will learn their uses and differences.
What Is Their Main Difference?
Expressing Movement
'To' is a preposition of motion and direction that is used to show movement from one place to another. Have a look:
I went
Here, the subject has moved from one place to another.
He moved
Expressing Purpose
We can use 'for' to show the purpose or function of something. For example:
The tools needed
Here, we use 'for' to that the tools are for the purpose of making a device.
He got a grant
Expressing Relationships
We can use 'to' in order to identify relationships and attachments. Have a look:
Nina is engaged
Here, we are showing a relation between two people.
The board is connected
Here, we are showing attachment between two objects.
Expressing Benefits
'For' is used to show that something has been done to the benefit of something or someone. For example:
He bought a present
The cat caught a mouse
Infinitive Marker
We use 'to' as an infinitive marker to change verbs into infinitive form. Take a look at the following example:
She is planning
My cat loves
Conjunctions
We can use 'for' as a conjunction to mean 'because' and explain the reasons or purpose of something. In this case, we do not use it very often as it is old-fashioned but you may face it in literary texts. Have a look:
He felt guilty
He got the job
Are They Interchangeable?
We cannot replace 'for' with 'to' or vice versa as they will drastically change the meaning of the sentence. For example:
He brought the box
Here, the subject has physically delivered something to someone else.
He brought the box
Here, the subject perhaps brought the box to the benefit of someone else.
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