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Every year I give a birthday gift to my dog.
If you’re talking about the reason or purpose behind doing something—but not the
actual giving—use for.
I bought a birthday gift for my dog.
Notice how the action in the last sentence is about buying the gift, not giving the
gift.
To vs. for FAQs
What is the difference between to and for when communicating the reason for or
purpose of something?
If the explanation is a verb, use to, as in, “learning a language to communicate.” If
the explanation is a noun, use for, as in, “learning a language for communication.”
What is the difference between to and for when communicating the recipient of
something?
If the sentence discusses the actual action of giving or transferring, use to followed
by the recipient, as in, “he handed the gift to her.” If the sentence discusses the
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reason why something is given or transferred, use for, as in, “he picked out a gift for
her.”
What is the difference between to and for when communicating the importance of
something?
Saying that something is “important to” someone means that it has personal or
emotional significance. Saying that something is “important for” someone suggests
that the benefit is practical, not emotional.
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