Differences between “to” and “for”
To |
For |
Indicates direction or destination | Indicates purpose or reason |
Indicates a recipient or object | Indicates a benefit or advantage |
Used for limits or endpoints | Used for duration or length of time |
Used for comparisons | Used for support or favor |
Indicates purpose or intention | Indicates relationship or association |
Used for points in time | Used for substitutes or exchanges |
Used for the second part of an infinitive | Used for the second part of a phrasal verb |
Used with movement verbs | Used with verbs of assistance |
Indicates a transfer of something | Indicates an action or something given |
Used with adjectives indicating direction | Used with adjectives indicating suitability |
Used to indicate a ratio or proportion | Used to indicate a rate or frequency |
Used to show contrast | Used to show cause and effect or intention |
Used to indicate a range or scope | Used to indicate a purpose or target audience |
Used for indirect objects | Used for objects of prepositions |
Used for infinitive phrases | Used for gerund phrases |
Conclusion
“To” and “for” are both important prepositions in the English language. Although they can sometimes be interchangeable, their meanings and uses are distinct and it is important to understand the differences between the two.
To vs. For – What’s the Difference?
“To” and “for” are prepositions that are commonly used in the English language. While both of these prepositions can be used to express direction or purpose, they are used in different ways and cannot always be interchanged.