ESL General English Grammar Questions

Re: donate some money to/for the charity

Clive — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:42:06 GMT

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

Re: donate some money to/for the charity

New2grammar — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 23:34:12 GMT

Clive
I gave money for Tom

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

Re: donate some money to/for the charity

Clive — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:28:01 GMT

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

Re: donate some money to/for the charity

Mister Micawber — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:26:12 GMT

.
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.

donate some money to/for the charity

Angliholic — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 08:27:04 GMT

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.