In today’s English lesson, we’ll discuss the difference between the English prepositions to and for. These are two of the most common prepositions, so if you’re trying to learn English as a second language (ESL) or master English grammar you’ll need to know how to use them. In this article we will provide you the difference between To and For.
Comparison table |
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To |
For |
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Most common use | It is common to find the composition to + infinitive : to go (to go), to do (to do), to sleep (to sleep). In this case the word to is not a preposition, but a part of the infinitive conjugation and is not translated. | For is used to talk about the purpose or use of something, that is, to express the usefulness of a thing. The subject of the sentence in this case is the object itself, not a person. It is worth mentioning that in this case for will be followed by a verb ending in –ing. · Oh! This thing is made for cutting through metal, be careful. (This thing is made for cutting metal, be careful.) |
Purpose or purpose? | If you want to express a purpose of an object and the subject of the sentence is a person, you use to . · Monica uses this knife to cut meat exclusively. (Monica uses this knife only to cut meat) |
It is used when you want to express a purpose or end desired by someone (not something).
· I have made huge sacrifices for my career. (I’ve made huge sacrifices for my career) |
Other uses | In the same way, it is used to explain the reason behind a decision.
· I took this class to improve my English level. (I took this class to improve my level of English) · I’m studying this hard to become a famous doctor. (I study so much to become a famous doctor) |
Also, this preposition is used to speak of a recipient.
· This cake is for Isabel. (This cake is for Isabel) For must always be followed by a noun, never by a verb. · We only did it for fun. (We did it just for fun) |