DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FOR AND TO

The difference between FOR and TO in English can be a little tricky.  After some adjectives and verbs we need to use FOR but after others we need to use TO. Read the explanation below and then try the exercise.

Use FOR after the following adjectives:

1. 1. famous
   2. grateful
   3. sorry / thankful
   4. happy / sad (for someone)
   5. prepared / ready
   6. responsible
   7. respected
   8. suitable
   9. eager
   10. late / early

Use FOR after the following verbs:

1. admire (someone) for something
2. apologize for
3. apply for
4. ask someone for something
5. blame someone for something
6. care for someone / something
7. excuse someone for something
8. forgive someone for something
9. head for
10. long for
11. pray for
12. pay for
13. scold someone for something
14. search for
15. vote for
16. wait for
17. wish for
18. work for a company / for someone
19. account for
20. check for
21. fine someone for something

Use TO after the following adjectives:

1.  attracted to
2. accustomed to
3. addicted to
4. allergic to
5. indifferent to
6. kind / mean / generous / unfriendly / rude / cruel / polite (etc.) to (someone)
7. receptive to
8. related to
9. married to
10. superior to
11. limited to
12. opposed to
13. relevant to
14. dedicated to
15. connected to
16. attached to
17. faithful to
18. exposed to
19. identical to
20. sensitive to

ASK FOR HELP or ASK TO HELP?

Use TO after the following verbs:

1. to refer to
2. to amount to
3. to object to
4. to relate to
5. to add to
6. to allow to
7. to attend to
8. to belong to
9. to consent to
10. to connect to
11. to dedicate to
12. to listen to
13. to refer to
14. to adapt to
15. to agree to
16. to apologize to someone for something
17. to devote to
18. to happen to
19. to lead to
20. to react to
21. to reply / speak / talk to
22. to turn to

Related Pages

FOR vs TO Exercise
Between and Among Exercise
B1 Intermediate Exercises
Grammar Test: B1 Intermediate
Speak, Ask, Say, Tell, Reply
Practice Exercise with Say & Tell
Difference between Say & Tell explained.