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EyeSeeYou  #396275  Wed, 25 Jul 07 12:35 AM

Among students it's a common thing to confuse them or use them alike? Could anyone provide a good explanation on the correct use of each of them?

To me, this is an important issue.

There's a package for you.

Thsoe above are crystal clear. What about this one: Letter to or for Mr. Jackson ?

  
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Kooyeen  #396280  Wed, 25 Jul 07 12:44 AM
Hi,
crystal clear? I'm not sure it is simple to distinguish between "to me" and "for me"...

To me/ for me, you should try to learn how to use modal verbs first.
To me/ for me, Katy is not doing the right thing.

Neither of them are ok, probably. So...

I would say "I'm writing a letter to Mr. Jackson" (= I'll send it to him), but "This is a letter for Mr. Jackson."
Not completely sure, though... Smile [:)]

  
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whl626  #396300  Wed, 25 Jul 07 02:33 AM

For me, this is an important issue is also a correct sentence.

There is no fixed rule on the use of preposition. It depends on what message you want to convey. The above sentence means as far as I am concerned, this is ......

  
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CalifJim  #396353  Wed, 25 Jul 07 07:17 AM
Generally, a verb of communication or motion goes with the preposition to:  You [write / read / carry / send / take / deliver] a letter to someone. (write to, read to, carry to, take to, deliver to).

Generally, a verb of existence or possession goes with the preposition for:  [It is / I have / There's] a letter for someone.
_____________

for also means instead of, in place of, as a favor to.  So,

I'll read it to you means I will read it aloud so you can hear what it says.  I direct the sound to your ears.

I'll read it for you means I will read it in place of you (maybe because you forgot your glasses and can't read it yourself, maybe because you don't want to be bothered, or any other reason).  This can be reading aloud or silently.  It is done as a favor to you.

I'm writing a letter to Jack means I'm writing a letter that I am going to send to Jack.  Jack is the intended recipient.

I'm writing a letter for Jack means I'm writing a letter in place of Jack. Jack would normally be writing this letter, but maybe he broke his arm and can't do it.  I write the letter as a favor to Jack.

CJ

  
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