Mastering the Tricky Prepositions in English: Part 1 – to and for (Basic)

 

Prepositions in English Part 1

 

Tricky Prepositions

Some prepositions are tricky. They can’t always be translated directly into English from other languages.

“For” and “to”

When to use “to”

Unless “to” is part of an infinitive it is used to relate two things to each other.

 

1.       The word “to” is used when one thing/ person is doing something to another thing/ person.

 

Example 1: I am going to school.

In this example the person (I) is performing an action on something (the school). In the case the action is the act of going towards it.

 

Example 2: I will give my book to you.

In this example one person (I) is giving a thing (a book) to another person (you).

 

TO (direction / movement / recipient)

Example 3: Say hello to your brother.

In this example I am being instructed to perform a certain action (saying hello) to another person (my brother).

 

2.       “To” can also be used to relate one thing to another.

I prefer coffee to tea.

In this sentence “to” is used to compare two things with one another. Specifically, how you like one more than the other.

 

The key to the door is missing.

This sentence also shows how two things are related to one another. It shows how the key belongs to the door.

 

It’s five minutes to midnight.

“To” can also be used to indicate time. It can be used to indicate how much time is left before a certain event.

 

When to use “for”

Unlike “to” the word for can be used “for” a variety of different reasons.

 

1.       “For” is used when you do something for someone else who would normally do themselves or that someone is unable to do themselves.

 

Example 1: I cooked dinner for my family.

My family is capable of cooking their own dinner, but in this instance, I am doing it for them.

 

Example 2: He is buying medicine for his sick wife.

His wife is currently incapable of performing a certain action (buying medicine) therefore he is doing it for her.

 

2.       “For” is used when you are doing something for the benefit of someone else.

 

Example 3: I will mow the lawn for you.

In this instance I am doing someone a favour. Possibly because they can’t do it themselves or simply to be friendly.

 

3.       “For” is used when you have the intention to give something to someone. When that object is intended for the benefit of that person.

 

Example 4: This present is for my grandmother.

I might not have given the present to my grandmother yet, but I intend to do so in the future, and it is intended for her benefit.

 

4.       “For” is used to indicate a timespan.

 

Example 5: I have lived here for five years.

In this example “for” indicates how long a certain action or state has been taking place.

 

5.       “For” is used if you give one item in exchange for another item.

 

Example 6: I will give you a chocolate for your marshmallows.

In this example I am trading my chocolate for someone else’s marshmallows.

 

Example 7: You can have this book for R500.

In this example someone is giving me the option to buy something (a book) in exchange for money

 

6.       “For” can be used to indicate why something is happening or why something happened a certain way.

 

Example 8: I have been fined for speeding.

In this example “for” is used to explain why I have received a fine.

 

Example 9: I am sure he had a good reason for punishing him.

In this example we do not know what the reason is, but the word “for” is used to give us some additional information to help explain why something happened.

 

7.       “For” is used to show that you agree with a certain world view or opinion.

 

Example 10: He is for democracy.

“For” is used here to indicate that he agrees with the principles and ideals of democracy.

 

When “to” and “for” can get confusing

Sometimes it might seem unclear when you should use “to” or “for”

 

Example 1: I will give this present for you.

This example is incorrect. It might seem like we should use for here because the present is for someone else’s benefit.

But in this sentence, there are two people. One person performs an action (giving) onto another person. For this reason, we must use “to.”

 

The correct form of the sentence therefore is

I will give the present to you.

 

Example 2: I will explain this for my brother.

This is an interesting case because it is not wrong it just doesn’t necessarily mean what people sometimes think it means.

 

The word “for” is used if you do something for someone that they would normally do themselves. So, the sentence now means that you would explain something to someone else that your brother would normally do himself. Possibly because he is incapable of doing so himself or as a favour

 

If you specifically want to say that you are the one explaining and that your brother is the one receiving the explanation you must use the word “to”.

I will explain this to my brother.

Click the following link to go to the next lesson:      

Mastering the Tricky Prepositions in English: Part 2 – to and for (Advanced)

Get in touch

If you’ve enjoyed this tutorial or found it useful, please consider leaving a comment below!

Your feedback means a lot to me. If you have any ideas or suggestions on how I can improve my tutorials, I’d love to hear them. I’m always working to make them better for you!

Interested in private language lessons?

I offer personalized lessons tailored to your needs. Feel free to get in touch anytime!

📧 Email: ditismyemail@gmail.com
📱 WhatsApp: 082 304 049

Learn the 10 parts of speech in English grammar with easy definitions and clear examples. Ideal for beginners, students, and language learners.