Author:

Sergey Sulimov

23.12.2022

The prepositions to and for: how and where to use

In English, there are no cases, and links between words are indicated by prepositions. And their translation sometimes does not coincide with the Russian version and can sometimes seem illogical. That’s why many English learners struggle with choosing the right preposition. Today we’ll look at the prepositions to and for, and you’ll understand how and where to use them..

To and for in the reason meaning

You don’t have to have perfect knowledge to communicate with a foreigner well enough. However, some mistakes can lead to misunderstandings. If you are in doubt about whether to or for a reason, follow three basic rules.

Rule 1: If there is a verb, use to + infinitive.

I study every day for five hours to pass the exam. — Я занимаюсь каждый день по пять часов, чтобы сдать экзамен.

Rule 2: If there is a noun, use for

I need this book for my exam. — Мне нужна эта книга для сдачи экзамена.

Rule 3: You can use for + verb-ing after a compound predicate with the verb to be.

This car is for moving. — Эта машина — для переезда.

Please note: The to + infinitive construction is preferable to the for + verb-ing combination.

Do these exercises for better understanding the topic (приемлемый вариант). / Do these exercises to better understand the topic (лучший вариант). — Сделайте эти упражнения для лучшего усвоения темы. / Сделайте эти упражнения, чтобы лучше усвоить эту тему.

Now let’s take a closer look at exactly when each of these prepositions should be used.

When else should to be used?

• To specify a destination or direction.

Часто используется с такими глаголами, как go to, travel to, come to, head to, mail to, send to.

I’m going to Moscow tomorrow. — Я завтра еду в Москву (пункт назначения).

Often used with verbs such as go to, travel to, come to, head to, mail to, send to.

Head to that bridge and then turn right. — Направляйтесь к тому мосты, а потом поверните направо (направление).

He passed the ball to another player. — Он передал мяч другому игроку (направление).

• In the construction from… to…

The store is open from 9 to 10. — Магазин работает с 9 до 10.

• To find out the time (usually in the UK). In the United States, it is customary to tell the time by stating the hours and minutes.

5:30 / It’s five thirty — пять тридцать;

8:50 / It’s eight fifty — восемь пятьдесят.

In the UK, the time is referred to differently, indicating how many minutes there are left until the next hour, if 30 minutes have already passed from the start of the hour.

5:40 / It’s twenty to six — без двадцати шесть;

8:50 / It’s ten to nine — без десяти девять.

• To show the connection between the two people.

Mary is married to Peter. — Мэри замужем за Питером.

• To show the physical connection between things.

The modelling clay is stuck to the table and I can’t get it off. — Пластилин приклеился к столу, и я никак не могу его оттереть.

• In a comparative construction, before the second part of the comparison.

High school is easy compared to college. — В старших классах проще, чем в колледже.

In addition, there are a number of verbs and phrases that are used with the to particle followed by the infinitive:

I advise you to start as soon as possible. — Советую начать как можно скорее.

She claimed to know more than the rest of the team. — Она утверждала, что знает больше, чем остальные члены команды.

We managed to raise enough money for the project. — Нам удалось собрать достаточно денег для проекта.

Everything went well to my surprise. — Все прошло удачно к моему удивлению.

When is it necessary to use for?

• To indicate the advantages or benefits of something.

  Fresh juice is good for your health. — Свежевыжатый сок полезен для здоровья.

• When you do someone a favour.

I didn’t know how to write the letter and she did it for me. — Я не знал, как написать письмо, и она сделала это за меня.

• When giving a reason, when the preposition for can be replaced by for the reason of.

    He was fired for being late. — Его уволили из-за опоздания (по причине опоздания).

• When marking a period (how long).

I’ve been working here for three years now. — Я работаю здесь уже три года.

§   When planning, setting a date for an event.

I have an important meeting for next Sunday, and I won’t be able to come to your party.

— Я назначил важную встречу на следующее воскресенье, и не смогу прийти на твою вечеринку.

• To show action on someone’s behalf or to represent someone else’s interests.

  I speak for everyone when I say that we’re happy you’re here. — Я говорю за всех, когда говорю, что мы счастливы, что вы здесь.

• When exchanging, to indicate the second part of a purchase, transaction or exchange.

  I’ll give you three candies for your big apple. — Я дам тебе три конфеты за твое большое яблоко.

He bought the entire stamp collection for only $5. — Он купил всю коллекцию марок всего за 5 долларов.

• Comparisons to what is normal.

You can use for to emphasise that something is different from the norm or the general standard.

She’s too inexperienced for the job. — Она слишком неопытна для такой работы.

She is very smart for her age. — Она очень умна для своего возраста.

There are also verbs, phrases and stable combinations that are used with the preposition for:

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