To vs. For

This post covers the use of prepositions and the particle 'to' of the infinitive.

Destination and Direction

'To' is a preposition normally used after verbs of movement.

• I went to New York last spring.
• He walks to school when his mom is late.
• I sent a card to Jane. (or I sent Jane a card - to see the difference check out: https://skyrocketlanguage.blogspot.com/2011/03/is-it-i-or-me.html )

Even though some verbs don’t express movement, they get a sense of forwarding the action towards a person or a thing when preposition ‘To’ is used.

• She is always very nice to me. (Her attitude towards me)
• She always talks to him.

We also use ‘To’ when we want to express relationships between two things or people. (again, there is sense of forwarding)

• I am related to you
• She is married to him
•  I am committed to my job.

When things affect a person.

• Money is important to me.
• To my surprise, she was all dressed up when I arrived there.

Observation: People use to or for interchangeably in certain situations for they may fall under popular collocation use. Nevertheless, compare the examples below:

• Money is important to me. (without it, I can't survive)
• Money is important for me. (in my opinion) 

 

Beneficiary

For is used when something is done to help a person or when someone gets something.

• I wrote the report for him. (He was too busy, he couldn't do it)
• She finished the project for me. (I had no idea how to do it) 
• I bought it for you. (you are getting it)

Compare:

• He did it to me! ( He caused me harm.)
• He did it for me! (He did me a favor.)

Reason or Purpose 

For is used to express purpose:

• I am here for you.
• They've traveled all the way for the event. 

The infinitive form can be used in the same way. Compare:

• I am here to be with you.
• They've traveled all the way to attend the event. 

Note: that there are some verbs that require prepositions Thus, if this preposition is followed by another verb, it must be in the gerund form.

• He admitted to the crime.
• He admitted to stealing the money.

That is it for now. 

See ya!

Will Teach.