Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[sbkaty]

Can we say I will bring a letter "for" you instead of I will bring a letter "to" you? thanks

[Mister Micawber]

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Yes you can, and here they can both mean effectively the same action. For however indicates the recipient, while to indicates the direction of the motion.
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_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
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Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[Teo]

I will bring a book for Mary to John.

Is the above sentence acceptable?
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Thank you very much for your reply.

[Mister Micawber]

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Yes it is, Teo. The book is to be carried to John, and it is intended for Mary.
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_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[Teo]

Bring Helen a present. = Bring a present __ Helen.
Which preposition should I use, for or to?
_________________
Thank you very much for your reply.

[Mister Micawber]

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Either one, since the gift is intended for Helen and is to be carried to her.
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_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[Teo]

http://www.englishforums.com/English/BringToFor/cjnmg/Post.htm
_________________
Thank you very much for your reply.

[Mister Micawber]

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You have been asked before not to post simply links, Teo. If you have a concern, please post a further inquiry, or state your stance.
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_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's

[Teo]

I am sorry but I am very much confused.
Bring the book to John for Mary.
Bring the book for Mary to John.
Do the above sentences have the same meaning?
By the way,
Read Helen the letter. = Read the letter __ Helen.
The answer is to, but is for also acceptable?
_________________
Thank you very much for your reply.

[Mister Micawber]

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It is possible for both sentences to be read with the same meanings, but normal word order would have these sentences meaning:

Bring the book to John for Mary = Do Mary's task, which is bringing a book to John OR Bring the book to John so that John can give it to Mary.

Bring the book for Mary to John = Bring to John the book that is to be Mary's gift.


Read the letter to Helen = Read it so that Helen can hear it.
Read the letter for Helen = Read it so that Helen can hear it OR Read it instead of Helen.
_________________
"I really do not know that anything has ever been more exciting than diagramming sentences." � Gertrude Stein
...............
Canadian-American who teaches English for a living at Mr Micawber's