'To' or 'For'?

‘To’ and ‘for’ are two prepositions that usually cause a lot of problems to you all. Let’s take a look at them in detail to solve your doubts.

TO

There are many uses of ‘to’, but here we are going to see only those which generally cause you problems. We use ‘to’…

a) Before a verb to show that it is the infinitive.

                To be or not to be – that is the question.

b) After some verbs (sorry, you need to study them) when the action in the infinitive follows it. Here you can see a list of verbs followed by ‘to’ (you can also see verbs followed by an infinitive).

https://dictionary.cambridge.org/es/gramatica/gramatica-britanica/verb-patterns/verb-patterns-verb-infinitive-or-verb-ing

                Sorry, I forgot to tell you.

c) After some adjectives.

She was afraid to do it.

d) After some nouns.

                Could you tell me the way to the museum, please?

e) After question words.

                I don’t know what to do.

f) To express use or purpose.

                I want to go there to buy some food.

g) To show who receives something or who experiences an action.

                I gave my English book to Thomas.

h) Remember, ‘to’ is the preposition we use when we show direction:

                She’s going to the beach.

                They travel to many places every year.

FOR

a) To introduce the person/people receiving something (compare with ‘g’ in the previous section).

                I have a message for Helen.

b) Showing purpose.

                There are some flats for sale in my building.

c) Because of or as a result of something.

                She doesn’t do sport for different reasons.

d) To show an amount of time or distance.

                She’s lived here for ten years.

e) On the occasion of or at the time of.

                What did they buy for his birthday?

g) To help someone.

                What can I do for you?

I encourage you to leave a comment and practise the different uses of ‘to’ and ‘for’.