Friday, July 25, 2003, 09:00 GMT
When to use "to me" and "for me" ? I have a big problem with that because in my language "to me" and "for me" has the same meaning.
When to use...?
Saturday, July 26, 2003, 01:47 GMT
"to me" usually indicates direction. In English, both "He gave me the ball." and "He gave the ball to me." are equally correct. It is basically like saying "He gave the ball (from himself) to me."
"for me" indicates possession, or possession that will happen sometime in the future. It can also indicate that someone is the intended recipient of something.
Compare the following:
He sang a song to me.
meaning that the song was sung by a male person in the direction of myself.
He sang a song for me.
meaning that the song was sung by a male person for my personal benefit (basically for my possession).
It is complicated but the more English you hear and read the sooner you will understand the distinction.
Ryan
"for me" indicates possession, or possession that will happen sometime in the future. It can also indicate that someone is the intended recipient of something.
Compare the following:
He sang a song to me.
meaning that the song was sung by a male person in the direction of myself.
He sang a song for me.
meaning that the song was sung by a male person for my personal benefit (basically for my possession).
It is complicated but the more English you hear and read the sooner you will understand the distinction.
Ryan
Saturday, July 26, 2003, 08:50 GMT
Thanks Ryan :) Now I can understand the difference :)