FOR vs TO
TO + verb (infinitive), FOR + noun/pronoun/duration
Question 1
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
I went to the shop _____ buy some bread.
Context: Purpose with infinitive verb
🧠Why This Mistake Happens
The Problem:
Spanish uses 'para' for both 'for' and 'to' in many contexts
Linguistic Reason:
In Spanish, 'para' indicates purpose, destination, and recipient, covering uses of both English 'for' and 'to'. This one-to-many mapping causes L1 interference.
Spanish Example:
Spanish: Fui a la tienda para comprar leche
Spanish 'para' doesn't distinguish between purpose (to) and beneficiary (for)
💡 Quick Rule:
TO + verb (infinitive), FOR + noun/pronoun/duration
Exceptions:
- • Some verbs take FOR + -ing: 'Thank you for helping'
- • Adjective + FOR + person + TO + verb: 'It's easy for me to understand'
Common Examples:
I went to the store for buy milk
I went to the store to buy milk
Purpose of action
This gift is to you
This gift is for you
Recipient
I've been waiting to two hours
I've been waiting for two hours
Duration
She came for help me
She came to help me
Purpose with infinitive
💡 Tips for Success
- •Use TO before infinitive verbs (to study, to work, to buy)
- •Use FOR with time duration (for three years, for two hours)
- •Use FOR before nouns/pronouns as recipients (for you, for my friend)
- •Remember fixed expressions: "Thank you FOR", "too difficult FOR", "It's easy FOR me TO"
🌟 Community Insights
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