Use for
1) when something is being done to benefit someone or something
Ex. I bought this gift “for you”
Ex. What can I do “for you?”
Ex: I made food “for the party.”
2) when you are trying to express a purpose or the reason something is happening
Ex: He runs “for his health.”
Ex: Bring the tea upstairs “for your grandmother.”
Ex: Buckle your seatbelt “for safety.”
Use to
1) when there is some kind of transfer happening or something is being moved from one place to another, and to express direction
Ex: We went from the restaurant “to” the party.
Ex: Talk “to” your teacher to get more information about the test.
Ex: I go “to” the office every day.
Ex: He sold his car “to” me for $5,000.
Comparing for and to
Ex: My friend brought lunch “for” me.
= My friend payed for my lunch because they wanted to do something nice for me.
Ex: My friend brought lunch “to” me.
= My friend physically carried the lunch and delivered it to me.
Ex: I made a quick phone call “for” my mom.
= My mom wasn’t able to make the phone call, so I made the call for her.
Ex: I made a quick phone call “to” my mom.
= I called with the intention of speaking with my mom.
