A2 : To vs. For
Below is an A2 level English grammar lesson about how to use to and for. Good luck and enjoy!
"To" in English is a preposition used to indicate a direction, destination, or the recipient of an action; essentially showing movement towards something or someone, like saying "I'm going to the store" or "Give the book to her.". It also functions as part of the infinitive form of a verb, like "I want to eat.".
Key points about using "to":
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Movement: "We walked to the park."
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Receiver of an action: "She gave the present to him."
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Infinitive form: "I need to study."
The word "for" in English can be used in many ways, including as a preposition, conjunction, or prefix:
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Showing representation
"For" can be used to show an action on behalf of or representing something else. For example, "I speak for everyone when I say that we're happy you're here".
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Introducing an exchange
"For" can be used to introduce the second part of a purchase, deal, or trade. For example, "I'll give you my potato chips for your mini-muffin".
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Expressing gratitude
"For" can be used to show thanks or gratitude. For example, "Thank you for your email".
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Describing a reason
"For" can be used to describe why something happened, when the explanation uses a noun. For example, "She became a doctor for the money, not the long hours".
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Asking about a reason or purpose
In questions, "what … for" is often used instead of "why" to ask about the reason or purpose of something. For example, "What are you here for?".
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As a prefix
"For" can be used as a prefix in verbs and nouns formed from verbs of Old or Middle English origin. For example, "forbid," "forbear," and "forswear".
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Identifying an object
"For" is often used to identify an object in a sentence. For example, "She bought a teapot for her sister".
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Indicating distance, quantity, or time
"For" can be used to indicate distance, quantity, or time. For example, "for several miles," "for five dollars," or "for ten minutes".
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Expressing support
"For" can be used to indicate agreement, allegiance, or favor toward something. For example, "I always root for the underdog at games".
This video can also help you learn how to use "to" and "for" in English:
To versus For - Task 2
- Jimmy Carter ran for President __________ 1976. (To or For)
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- The Sugar Bowl was supposed __________ be played on January 1st. (To or For)
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- Ulysses S. Grant fought __________ the Union during the American Civil War. (To or For)
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- Michael Jackson went __________ Brunei on December 31, 1996. (To or For)
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- Expedia and Trivago are __________ travelers who are looking for a better deal. (To or For)
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- The United States Army sent the 101st Airborne __________ the far end of the island. (To or For)
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- The host of the event stated "​The women from France will be going __________ the event at 9pm ". (To or For)
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- The Ninja Turtles fought __________ the city of New York against evil. (To or For)
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- John Lennon went __________ his apartment first and then was shot. (To or For)
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- Buildings in this part of the city are built __________ the new migrants coming from other countries. (To or For)
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​- Oil from Saudi Arabia is used __________ help fuel the American economy. (To or For)
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- The couple left the food __________ the stray dog. (To or For)
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- The pilot flew __________ fun. (To or For)
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To versus For - Task 3
Other A1-C1 English Tasks
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