‘To’ and ‘for’ are prepositions which can be problematic for learners. This can be because learners have to make choices and prepositions that are not necessary in their own language. Often the choices don’t have anything to do with the meaning which makes them difficult to remember. On a positive note, mistakes with prepositions quite often don’t prevent the speaker from being understood. There are however (of course) some rules which we will look at.
Verbs followed by TO + infinitive
There are many. Here are some common ones:
At the meeting today, we will arrange to appoint a person who can represent us.
We must all try to do our bit for the environment
I want to eat ice cream
Other examples of verbs followed by TO + infinitive
forget, hate, hope and intend.. there are many more, which ones do you know? What sentences can you create using them? You can share them here.
movement and direction
TO infers movement and direction:
To get to the airport, go TO Kings Cross station and get the Piccadilly Line (direction)
Give this TO him (movement)
Take this TO the office please and give it to Sheila (movement)
benefit
FOR infers something more personal rather than direction:
Happy Birthday, this is FOR you! (this)
They gave me this FOR helping them
purpose
FOR provides an explanation:
This office is FOR dealing with complaints
The outside lane on the motorway if FOR overtaking
Not happy? That’s what you get FOR ignoring people, now they don’t want to speak to you!
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How about you?
What are you going TO do next week?
What do you like TO do to relax?
What are you going TO do to help you remember these rules?
Can you explain what different apps on your phone are FOR?
What are the different things in your kitchen FOR, how do you use them?
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English classes for all levels by professional native British qualified teacher.