When to use TO
i.e. We’re going to the zoo this weekend.
2. Receiving - Showing who or what receives an action or item
i.e. She was always mean to us.
3. Connection - Showing an abstract link between two people
i.e. I am married to my best friend.
4. Attachment - Showing a physical attachment between two things
i.e. The piece of paper was accidentally glued to my hand.
5. Comparison - Introducing the second part of a comparison
i.e. They preferred water to soda.
6. Reason (with verb) - Describing why something happened, when the explanation uses a verb
i.e. I study so much to get good grades.
7. Infinitives - In the infinitive form of a verb, to comes before the root verb.
i.e. To succeed in anything requires motivation.
8. Time - used to mean “before” a certain time.
i.e. Ten minutes to closing!
9. Synonym of “until” - often used colloquially as a replacement for “until.”
i.e. We’re open from dawn to dusk.
When to use FOR
1. Support - Indicating agreement, allegiance, or favor toward somethingi.e. If you’re not for the union, you’re against it!
2 Representation - Showing an action on behalf of or representing something else
i.e. I may work for Walmart, but I don’t shop there.
3. Exchange - Introducing the second part of a purchase, deal, or trade
i.e. He bought the entire Skrillex discography for only a dollar.
4 Length - Indicating length of time or distance
i.e. Go straight for a few miles and then turn left.
5. Gratitude - Showing thanks or gratitude
i.e. Thank you for your email.
6 Reason (with noun) - Describing why something happened, when the explanation uses a noun
i.e. She became a doctor for the money, not the long hours.
7. Conjunction - a coordinating conjunction that acts as a synonym of “because,” although today it’s a little outdated.
8. Comparisons with what’s normal - You can use for to emphasize how something is different from the norm or general standard.
i.e. “You’re not bad for an elf,” said the dwarf.
9. Scheduling - to indicate a planned arrangement in the future.
i.e. Is our D&D session still on for later?
To vs. For
Using to vs. for purpose and reason- to is used with verbs (i.e. I came here to see you)
- for is used with nouns (i.e. I came here for you)
Using important to vs. important for
important to - indicates personal or sentimental value, with emotional significance
important for - indicates a practical benefit, not always an emotional significance
Using to vs. for with receiving something
- Essentially, when you’re talking about someone receiving something directly, use to followed by the recipient (the person who receives something).
i.e. Every year I give a birthday gift to my dog.
- If you’re talking about the reason or purpose behind doing something—but not the actual giving—use for.
i.e. I bought a birthday gift for my dog.
(Notice how the action in the last sentence is about buying the gift, not giving the gift.)