TO and FOR

Prepositions

Look at these two sentences:

+ Can you bring some flowers to put on the altar?

+ Can you bring some flowers for my mom’s ceremony?

+ I study so much to get good grades.

+ I study so much for Miss Libi’s class.

+ I go to the gym to train hard.

+ I go to the gym for my health.

Do those sentences have a similar of different meaning

Using “To” vs. “For” to talk about Reasons
and Purposes
We frequently use the prepositions “to” and “for” to talk about why somebody did something.

1. Why are you traveling to London?

I traveling to London to improve my English.

2. Why does she need a cake?

She needs a cake for her brother’s birthday.

3. Why are you going home?

I’m going home to feed my cats.

4. Why are you going to the museum tomorrow?

I’m going to the museum for a lecture on modern art.
So, how do you know when to use “to” and when to use “for”

It might seem complicated, but the answer is actually very simple. Use “to” when the reason or
purpose is a verb. Use “for” when the reason or purpose is a noun.

+ I bought a present to give to Sarah on her birthday. (verb)

+ I bought a present for Sarah’s birthday. (noun)

+ I drink coffee to feel more awake. (verb)

+ I drink coffee for its wonderful taste. (noun)

+ I’m exercising to stay healthy. (verb)

+ I’m exercising for my health. (noun)

+ I am here to support you (verb)

+ I am here for you (verb)
Other Uses of the Word “To”

1. Use “to” when talking about movement or a change in direction. (from one point to another)

For example,

+ I need you to take these books to Mary.

+ We are going to Paris next Tuesday.

In the first example, “to” is used to suggest a transfer of the books from “you” to “Mary.” In the next example,
“to” indicates (shows) a change of place from the speaker’s location to Paris.

2. Use “to” with English infinitive verbs

For example,

+ Nina loves to talk on the phone.

+ When do you want to eat dinner?
+ We’re going to meet the Queen tomorrow!
3. Use “to” when comparing two things.

“To” is often used in comparing two things and expressing one’s preferences (likes). For example,

+ I prefer coffee to tea.
+ She prefers reading books to watching movies.

Other Uses of the Word “For”

1. Use “for” when expressing thanks or gratitude.

If you want to thank someone, you’ll usually use the word “for”
to explain why you’re thanking them.

For example,

+ Thank you for teaching me to play the guitar.

+ Thanks so much for the new shoes!
+ Matthew thanked Brian for coming to his birthday party.
2. Use “for” when talking about a duration of time

“For” is also used to talk about a length (duration) of time during which something happened.

For example,

+ I waited at the station for two hours.

+ They have lived in Ohio for eight years.
+ We’ve known each other for a long time.

Use “for” when expressing support and agreement.

“For” is used to indicate agreement with or support of a cause.

For example,

+ Are you for or against the women’s movement?

+ I’m all for increasing taxes.

NOTE TELLING TIME: I have class FROM 4:00 PM TO 5:00 PM.

To vs. For Quiz
1. Jeet went __TO__ New York __TO__ see his favorite rock band perform live.

2. I need to give my essay __TO__ the professor before 5:00.

3. He lived in Paris __FOR__ three years.

4. I’m looking __FOR__  a new job.

5. Are you __FOR__ or against the environmentalist movement?

6. Thank you so much __FOR__ your kind letter.

7. I prefer Rohan __TO__ Ben.

8. I want __TO__ eat pizza for dinner.

9. His parents sacrificed so much __FOR__ him.

10. Will you please take these books _TO___ the library __FOR__ me?
My weekdays are quite busy! I __START____ the day very early.

I __GET UP____ at 5:30 and __DO____ yoga till 6:15. Next, I MAKE a cup of coffee for myself. Then I __READ___
my notebook and _CHECK_ my schedule for the day. I am a makeup artist and I __DO____ makeup for
businesswomen for important meetings, for brides on their wedding day, for birthday girls and for romantic
dinners in the evening. I _HAVE_ a home-office, so I ___WORK_ and _LIVE_ at the same place. 
Jake _WORKS_ as a hairdresser in our beauty center. He __WASHES_ our clients’ hair, and Allison ___DOES the
photos of the beautiful women after makeup. At 1:30, we __HAVE_ lunch together. Allison ___LOVES cooking,
and she __COOKS__ delicious meals for us everyday. 
In the evening, we ___LEAVE_ our office together. Allison ___CLEANS_ the dishes, I ___TAKE OUT____ the
garbage and Jake __MOPS__ the floor. They __OPEN__ the office at 6:30. 
After work, I usually ___PLAY with my dogs, ___READ__ some books before sleep and __GO___ to bed at 11:30.