To or for?

We use the preposition “to” in these following cases:

● Destination
We’re going to New York next year!
Are you going to your mom’s house?

● Distance
It’s about five kilometers from my house to the university.”
It’s about 5 hours traveling from São Paulo to Rio.

We use the preposition “to” in these following cases:

● Giving

I gave the perfume to my husband.
He gave flowers to her.

● Motive/Reason – with verb

I need to talk to you.
I started the course to study English.

We use the preposition “for” in these following cases:

●Benefits

Sleeping well is good for health.
Don’t drink too much coffee! It’s not good for you.

●Period of time

I lived in the USA for 2 years.”
I have been a teacher for 5 years.

●Schedule

The secretary scheduled my appointment for January 15.
Our meeting is scheduled for next week.

We use the preposition “for” in these following cases:

● Doing something to help someone

Could you buy some fruits for me?
My sister cleaned my house for me.

● Function – with verb (-ing form)

We will use these cups for serving soda.
I’m going to start a volunteer work for helping people.

But pay attention!

TO or FOR can be used for a motive/reason, but TO is always with
a verb, and FOR is always with a noun.

● I am going to Europe to work.
● I am going to Europe for a new job.

● They want to travel to work and study.
● They want to travel for a new experience.