I have a sentence about a function description (in a program’s code) :
Redirect to action to return the file to user.
How do I properly use to and for?
Here’s my description of the situation:
I have a user, and I redirect this user to an action. The action generates a file and returns it to that user’s web browser.
I think it is better to say the following:
Redirect to action WHICH return the file FOR user
What do you think?
Answer
How do I properly use to and for?
In the most literal sense, to means “in the direction of” and for means “on behalf of”. So,
I'll deliver the box to you tomorrow.
means that you will receive the box. However,
I'll deliver the box for you tomorrow.
means that I will take the box from you and bring it to someone else (on your behalf) tomorrow.
The difference between to and for is usually less dramatic than this:
I brought cookies to the kids. I brought cookies for the kids.
have roughly the same meaning, because you are really bringing the cookies both in the direction of the kids and on their behalf. There are also numerous idiomatic uses. For example “Come for me at six” means “Pick me up at six,” and “Come to me at six” means (roughly) “Visit me at six.”
I should also point out that “for” has many other meanings in contexts where substituting “to” would not make a correct sentence, e. g. “I am waiting for the train; this present is for you; we live for excitement.” My comments are strictly confined to situations where either to or for would make a correct sentence.
Attribution
Source : Link , Question Author : Mediator , Answer Author : BobRodes
