TO or FOR? Prepositions in English
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Published 2013-11-18
Hi again. Welcome back to www.engvid.com. I'm Adam, and today's lesson is about prepositions; everybody's favourite little words that get in the middle of everything and cause you lots of troubles, and headaches, and confusion. Especially if you're writing, this is the worst part, but even if you're not; always causes problems.
Today's prepositions that we're going to look at: "to" and "for". Now, there isn't really a set rule for these prepositions; they can be used in many different ways. What I'm going to try to show you today is when to use "to" instead of "for", when to use "for" instead of "to". Now, to do that, we first have to look at why or situations in which we use these prepositions.
So let's start. If you want to express a reason, - okay? -, then you're going to use "to" or "for".
"I went to the store", why? "To buy milk." "I went to the store", why? "For milk."
What's the difference between these two? Should be very clear I think. Here I have a verb, here I'm only talking about the noun so we use "to". Now, technically, this is not a preposition. Okay? This is an infinitive verb marker, but it looks like a preposition so we'll treat it as one for now. Verb, noun, that's the difference when you're talking about reason.
Now, before we go to the next one, I want you to look at this:
"I went to the store", whenever you have sort of a movement, - sorry -, and you have a destination... So by movement I mean: "go", "walk", "drive", "take the bus", for example. Anything that involves you moving or going somewhere and then you're talking about the destination, - means the place that you are going to -, it's always going to be "to". And this is very much a preposition showing direction. Okay? Now, there are of course exceptions. There are situations where you can use "for". "Head for the hills", "Make for the lobby", okay? But very, very specific situations, very specific verbs and you're not going to use them that often because they're not as common. Easier to just use "go", okay?
Next: if you want to point out a recipient. What is a recipient? A person who receives something. Okay?
"Give this to her.", "This is for her."
Now you're thinking: "Well, her, her, what's the difference? They look exactly the same." So here is why I wrote: "verb". In this situation, you're not worried about the preposition, you're worried about the verb. In this case: "give", in this case: "is". Okay? When you... Again, when you have motion... And here, "her" or the person is like a destination; it's not a place, but it's the recipient. Recipient is similar to a destination except you have place and person. Okay? If you have motion and recipient, use "to". When you have situation, then you're going to use "for". Okay? So it all depends on the verb, not the preposition.
Now, another example:
"Can you send this fax to her?" "Send" means motion, you're going to be doing something, you're going to be moving something.
"I made this cake for her."
"Made" -- you're not moving anything, nothing's changing hands. Right? You made it, this is the situation and it's for her. Eventually she will be the recipient. "I made this for her. Can you give it to her?" Right? So I'm using both: one motion "to", situation "for".
All Comments (21)
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I'm brazilian and I'm learning a little of english. My english is a lot beginner yet, but I liked my own progress. I'm sorry for my english. Thankss teacher! You facilited my life with this lesson.
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Great videos Adam. Could you make one with the words on and in? I've been in America for 16 years and still get confused with those two words sometimes. I would truly appreciate if you explain the differences between those two words just like you did this video. Thank you.
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Hi! I have been teaching English continuously and joyfully for the past 25 years. I need to say that your videos ,particularly those focusing on grammar,are an excellent,practical tool for learners who need thorough and to the point clarifications without being overloaded with rules and excessive theory.I show my students your "How to sound like a native speaker" videos for self -practice at home. They really love them! I highly recommend them to both students and teachers.Thank you!
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In the end i could understand when to use to and for correctly.thank u so much!!!
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I'm from argentina and I can understand almost everything because I need to improve my vocabulary still, I can't believe it!! You are the best teacher!
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everything is so clear with you, Adam. I feel like understand every single word from you 😂
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He is still my favorite, perfectly clear and he touches interesting topics
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Adam, you're really fantastic. Thank you very much for the classes!
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Adam, thank you for this lesson. You're my favourit teacher
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1 give this to her (motion) 2 this is for her (situation) 3 ask John to send me the file (action) 4 ask John for the file ( expectation) 5 invite someone to a party (event) 6 invite someone for dinner ( eating)
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Mr.Adam, you're one of the best teacher...waiting for your more classes
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since i known you, my english improve a lot, day by day i feel more confident when i speak English. i hope you can create more videos like this. it really useful for studying english . love
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Excellent explanation!!! very clear!!!!!! thank you!!!!!!
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Thanks Adam, Your explanation was crystal clear to me. I've been reading a lot about this topic, because English prepositions are really hard to get along
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Very clear and simple. For me, you are one of the best English teachers on internet! 😊
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Now, I have a full understanding. Thank you, Adam!
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Best english-teacher I had my whole school-life !!!!
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Not just a good English teacher but also good looking. Thumbs up!
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Wow just how! I've been having confusion on how to use these words, but now after watching this, it lighten me a little. Thanks Adam you've been a hero for a guy like me trying to learn English.
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Thank you Adam ! You are an excellent professional ! This subject is very complex , I've studied it many times !
