To and for are similar, so it’s easy to get them confused. Both to and for are prepositions, one of the eight parts of speech, and both are used quite a lot. The difference between to and for lies in their meanings and the words they’re typically used with.

We explain those meanings in the next sections, but for now let’s talk about the differences between for and to. For example, to is one of the prepositions of direction, which means it can be used to express movement, whereas for is not (except in rare cases, where one could say “I think we’re headed for a dead end,” for example). Additionally, to can indicate the infinitive form of verbs, which for cannot.

Likewise, for has its own unique uses that to doesn’t have. For can sometimes act as a coordinating conjunction, meaning it can connect two clauses in a sentence, something to cannot do.

Aside from their usage as prepositions and special grammar situations like infinitives and conjunctions, both to and for are also used as parts of phrasal verbs. When used in phrasal verbs, however, they no longer act independently and instead take on the meaning of that particular phrasal verb.

When to use to
When do you use to in a sentence? Here are the main uses of the preposition to:

1 Direction
Expressing movement toward something

We’re going to the zoo this weekend.

Look to the left and right when crossing the street.

2 Receiving
Showing who or what receives an action or item

Furlong passed the ball to Sexton at the last second.

We didn’t invite Karen because she was always mean to us.

3 Connection
Showing an abstract link between two people

I am married to my best friend.

This is Dwight, assistant to the regional manager.

4 Attachment
Showing a physical attachment between two things

The piece of paper was accidentally glued to my hand.

I chained my bike to a bench, but the bench was stolen.

5 Comparison
Introducing the second part of a comparison

High school is easy compared to college.

They preferred water to soda.

6 Reason (with verb)
Describing why something happened, when the explanation uses a verb

He shouldn’t have joined the army to impress people.

I study so much to get good grades.

Other main uses of to
Infinitives—In the infinitive form of a verb, to comes before the root verb.

I want to be an astronaut.

To succeed in anything requires motivation.

Time—Especially in British English, to is used to mean “before” a certain time.

It’s a quarter to four. (3:45)

Ten minutes to closing!

Synonym of “until”—To is often used colloquially as a replacement for “until.”

We’re open from dawn to dusk.

I’m with you to the end of the line, Bucky.

When to use for
When do you use for in a sentence? Here are the main uses of the preposition for:

1 Support
Indicating agreement, allegiance, or favor toward something

I always root for the underdog at games.

If you’re not for the union, you’re against it!

2 Representation
Showing an action on behalf of or representing something else

I speak for everyone when I say that we’re happy you’re here.

I may work for Walmart, but I don’t shop there.

3 Exchange
Introducing the second part of a purchase, deal, or trade

I’ll give you my potato chips for your mini-muffin.

He bought the entire Skrillex discography for only a dollar.

4 Length
Indicating length of time or distance

She worked there for four years and the boss never learned her name.

Go straight for a few miles and then turn left.