These are the differences between TO and FOR with examples.
TO and FOR DIFFERENCE – They are among the most common in the English language, and this is how you correctly use them in a sentence.
Among the most confusing prepositions used in the English language are “to” and “for,” and they are also among the important words. Learning the main differences between these two can greatly help you use them properly in creating and structuring sentences.
Prepositions are words that show the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other words in a sentence. They are words that also indicate location, time, direction, or other relationships. The way “to” and “for” are used lies in what they mean and the words they are typically used with.
“To” is one of the prepositions of direction, and it expresses movement. It can also indicate the infinitive form of verbs.
“For” can act as a coordinating conjunction. It can connect two clauses in a sentence that “to” could not do.
TO
1. This is used to indicate the location, person, or thing that someone or something is moving to.
Example:
I am heading to the bookstore.
This summer, we are going to Japan.
I sent the parcel to her address.
2. Used to indicate a limit or an ending point.
Example:
Don’t push yourself to the limit.
I have seen her pushing the dog to the edge of the cliff.
My grade in the science subject rose to 89 from 85.
3. Used as an infinitive of purpose, as in “in order to.”
Example:
I used his money to buy coffee.
I studied hard to pass this semester.
I don’t have to try so hard to impress everyone.
4. Used to reference a time or period.
Example:
I slept from nine to six.
The semestral break is from July to August.
I work nine to five.
5. Used to indicate relationships.
Example:
My grades are important to my parents.
I am the assistant to the manager.
I am married to my best friend.
FOR
1. Used to indicate the use, purpose, or benefit of something.
Example:
This room is for my visitors.
I made breakfast for you.
Put a helmet on for safety.
2. Used to mean “because of.”
Example:
I feel sorry for you.
I am happy for your promotion.
For this reason, I am moving to Paris.
3. Used for durations.
Example:
My mother has been a teacher for many years.
I lived in Cebu for five years.
Go straight for a few blocks and then turn left.