donate some money to/for the charity

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Angliholic

#544900 Tue, 22 Jul 08 09:27 AM

They asked if John would donate some money to/for charity.

Hi,
Do both "to" and "for" fit in the above? IF yes, do they covey a similar idea? Thanks.

Angliholic

Joined on Wed, Feb 14 2007

SomewhereinFormosa

Veteran Member (5,169)

Without true love, life is meaningless and worthless since our physical world is nothing but a dream. ~~Angliholic~~簡瑞達

Mister Micawber

#545005 Tue, 22 Jul 08 02:26 PM

.
Yes, both OK and essentially synonymous. I suppose that 'to' is more direct to the charitable organization, where 'for' may open the possibility of an intermediary.

Mister Micawber

Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004

Yokohama

Veteran Member (21,217)

'The question is,' said Humpty Dumpty, 'which is to be master-- that's all.'

Clive

#545007 Tue, 22 Jul 08 02:28 PM

Hi,
They asked if John would donate some money to/for charity.

Do both "to" and "for" fit in the above? IF yes, do they covey a similar idea?
Very similar, often no real difference.
to - suggests giving directly. I gave money to Tom.
for - may not be direct. I gave money for Tom (to Clive, who then gave it to Tom later).
Clive

Clive

Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004

Canada

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New2grammar

#545167 Wed, 23 Jul 08 12:34 AM

Clive
I gave money for Tom

Clive, it sounds like I gave money on behalf of Tom. What do you think?

New2grammar

Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006

Veteran Member (7,670)

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Clive

#545170 Wed, 23 Jul 08 12:42 AM

Hi,
You could interpret it that way. The context would normally make the intended meaning clear.

Often, you'd indicate the reason in the sentence, eg 'I gave money for Tom's retirement gift'.
Clive

Clive