The Difference between TO vs. FOR in English

Many English learners have difficulties understanding the difference between TO vs. FOR in English.

We Use TO in these Cases

1. Destination

• We’re going to Paris.
• I’m going to school.
• My Mom went to the dentist yesterday.
• The apple fell to the ground

2. What time it is?

• It’s a quarter to 2.
• It is quarter to six.

3. Distance

• It’s about ten miles from my house to the university.

4. Comparing

• I prefer sleeping to working.
• She prefer walking to riding

5. Giving

• I gave the book to my sister.
• He gave a to his daughter on her birthday.

6. Motive/ Reason – with verb

• I came here to see you.
• He worked hard to earn money.
• I want to talk to you.

We Use FOR in these Cases

1. Benefits

• Yogurt is good for your digestion.
• Vitamin A is good for eyesight

2. Period of time

• We’ve lived here for 2 years.
• I have been waiting for her for 2 hours

3. Schedule

• I made an appointment for May 3.

4. Agree with

• Are you for or against the development of nuclear weapons?

5. Doing something to help someone

• Could you carry these books for me?

6. Motive/ Reason – with noun

• Let’s go out for a drink.
• We stopped at the pub for a drink.
• I went to London for a conference.

7. Function – with verb (-ing form)

• A ladle is a big spoon used for serving soup.
• An altimeter is used for measuring height above sea level

Difference between TO vs. FOR | Image