TO vs FOR

When and how to use To vs For 

Here you will learn when and how to use TO or FOR by studying various examples.

You must choose the appropriate preposition based on what comes after it.

Even though there are lots of exceptions, below you will find some ways to know when to use TO or For while you are talking or writing in English.

Make sure to do all TO vs FOR exercises to practice.

Remember: Practice makes perfect!

TO

1. Destination
   • He went to Germany.
   • I am going to the supermarket.
   • We are going to school.
   • She went to the doctor.
2. Distance
   • It is around two miles from my house to our school.
   • It is three blocks from the school to the grocery store.
3. Giving
   • She gave a book to her mom on Mother’s Day. (Study IN-ON-AT here)
   • I gave my old bike to my brother.
4. Reason or Motivation + Verb
   • He has a reason to be here.
   • She came here to see you.
   • This brush is to paint.
5. Telling the Time
   • It is a quarter to eight.
   • We must go to bed, it is already a quarter a to midnight
6. Verb + to
   • Apologized to… He apologized to her for his mistake.
   • Explain to… Please explain this to me in a very simple way.
   • Happen to… What happened to her?
   • Invite to… Did you invite him to the party?
   • Listen to… Listen to me when I am talking to you!
   • Prefer something to another… I prefer movies to series.
   • Talk to… I need to talk to you.
   • Talk to… I need to talk to you.

Study the following examples:

• According to the newspaper.
• This is interesting to me.
• I am looking forward to talking with you again.
• To my knowledge.
• Don’t jump to conclusions.
• She admitted her mistake to her parents.
• It sounds good to me.
• You will have to report that to the director.
• Go to work.
• Go to school.
• She went to the supermarket.
• Go to bed.
• Go to church.
• He was invited to the party.
• Go to London.
• He is going to Germany.
• Up to date.
• He decided to help Mary.
• He always loved to sing.
• We stopped at a bar to have a drink.
• I want to talk with you.

NOTE: Go home. –> Not: Go to home.

FOR

1. Agreement
   • Is your state for or against capital punishment?
   • Is she for or against you going to the party tonight?
2. Benefits
   • Walking is good for you.
3. Function + verb + ing
   • This brush is used for painting.
4. Helping someone
   • Don’t worry, I will get it for you.
   • Can you open this for me, please?
5. Period of Time
   • We have been living here for about three years.
6. Reason / Motivation + Noun
   • We stopped at the bar for a drink.
7. Schedule
   • She made an appointment for 4:00 pm.
   • Let’s schedule for April 2nd.
8. Verb + for
   • Ask for… I asked him for the information.
   • Apply for… You need to apply for this job.
   • Forgive for… You have to forgive him for his faults.
   • Leave for… He left for work.
   • Look for… I was looking for you!
   • Search for… We need to search for more information before we decide.
   • Thank for… I thanked her for the wonderful gift.
   • Wait for… Wait for me!

Study the following examples:

• I bought this present for you.
• I will cook for you if you would like.
• Did your mom cook dinner for you?
• No, she just made a sandwich for me.
• He asked the bank teller to cash a check for him.
• She cashed the check for him.
• Could you close the door for me?
• She translated that article for us.
• Please make a reservation for us at the restaurant.
• He went to England for a Sales Conference.
• I work for Company XYZ.
• We stopped at the bar for a drink.
• Go for a ride.
• Go for a walk.
• I will do that for you.
• Go for a drive.
• Go for it.

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