1、to表示主观,for表示客观。
He is good to her.
This book is good for children.
前句是说“He”主观上对她态度友好,后句是说这本书客观上对孩子们有益。
It was a useful lesson to/for him.
这句话与之前两个例句不同,不能直接从句子的主语判断主客观关系。该句中用to是表示说话人认为“对他有用”,用for表示事实上无可争议的“有用”。
2、to往往和贬义词连用,而for则多与褒义词连用。如:
The poisonous waste may do great harm to the things around us.
Can you do a favor for me?
3、to着重表示“全体”关系,而for侧重于表示“部分关系”。
Dustmen’s job is important and necessary to all of us.
His special work is very important for the blind children.
4、与动词不定式短语连用时,只能用for/of,即构成动词不定式的复合结构。
5、一般说来,在句首时要用to,如:
To my brother, these stamps are extremely valuable.
6、以上说的都是“对……来说”之意。在其他场合有不同含义,如:
I’ll write to/for you.我给/替你写信。