Being a daughter to an English lecturer and a wife to an English speaking husband, I should be ashamed of my poor (English) grammar. I remember writing somewhat acceptable English when I used to read up to two new books a week until recently (now I choose to spend time reading up on attachment parenting or colourful storybooks to you, my sweet angel) and I realized, words, even on simple prepositions don't come to me as easy as when I was reading a lot.
This is another reason I started this blog, for me to write more and construct better statements instead of just posting photos and silly sentences like what I did in my own domain blog. It is a good reminder for me to read more (books) when I feel that I can't even spell
It felt like a big slap in the face for me when I actually can't find the answer (without resorting to Google) of whether I should title this blog:
TIPS TO MY DAUGHTER, or
TIPS FOR MY DAUGHTER.
Either way, it sounded like I was leaving you tips as if you were a waitress.
I was nervous. It was a big deal for me. Say this blog is still available online until you become (who knows) a world famous author, I know you won't forgive me if the title of the blog I made for you was already grammatically incorrect.
And to forbid you from further resenting me in the future, I made some research and in summary, this is what I learned.
We should use 'TO' to express:
1. destination
Example: We’re going to Canada.
2. before (in time)
Example: It’s a quarter to 7.
3. until
Example: We’ll be at the yoga studio from 9 to 12.
4. comparison
Example: She prefers reading to painting.
5. receiver
Example: I gave that shirt as a Christmas present to Daddy.
and we should us 'FOR' to express:
1. intended to belong to
Example: This letter is for you.
2. length of time
Example: Daddy has lived in Malaysia for 13 years.
3. an arrangement
Example: I have made reservation for a table of four.
4. in favour of
Example: Are you for or against eggs for breakfast?
5. reason
Example: What did you do that for?
6. purpose ( + noun)
Example: Let’s go out for a meal.
7. movement towards
Example: They left for Hong Kong yesterday.
8. on behalf of (to help somebody)
Example: Could you please leave a message for me?
Home, Subang (November 2013)
I hope you would inherit perfect usage of English language from both your grandmothers (although their mother tongues are actually Malay and French).
I hope you would read lots and lots of books.
And keep a journal.
And play Scrabble.
Love and light,
Use TO in these cases:
- Destination
“We’re going to Paris.” - What time it is
“It’s a quarter to 2.” - Distance
“It’s about ten miles from my house to the university.” - Comparing
“I prefer sleeping to working.” - Giving
“I gave the book to my sister.” - Motive/Reason – with verb
“I came here to see you.”
Use FOR in these cases:
- Benefits
“Yogurt is good for your digestion.” - Period of time
“We’ve lived here for 2 years.” - Schedule
“I made an appointment for May 3.” - Agree with
“Are you for or against the development of nuclear weapons?” - Doing something to help someone
“Could you carry these books for me?” - Motive/Reason – with noun
“Let’s go out for a drink.” - Function – with verb (-ing form)
“A ladle is a big spoon used for serving soup.”
- Destination
“We’re going to Paris.” - What time it is
“It’s a quarter to 2.” - Distance
“It’s about ten miles from my house to the university.” - Comparing
“I prefer sleeping to working.” - Giving
“I gave the book to my sister.” - Motive/Reason – with verb
“I came here to see you.”
Use FOR in these cases:
- Benefits
“Yogurt is good for your digestion.” - Period of time
“We’ve lived here for 2 years.” - Schedule
“I made an appointment for May 3.” - Agree with
“Are you for or against the development of nuclear weapons?” - Doing something to help someone
“Could you carry these books for me?” - Motive/Reason – with noun
“Let’s go out for a drink.” - Function – with verb (-ing form)
“A ladle is a big spoon used for serving soup.”
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