How to Use TO, FOR & FROM in Real English Conversations (A2–B1)

[00:00:00]Hello everyone and welcome back to our English podcast.

[00:00:04]>> Hi everyone. So happy to be here.

[00:00:06]>> Olivia, you told me you wanted to ask an English question today.

[00:00:11]>> Yes, Michael. Uh actually >> Mhm, what is on your mind?

[00:00:16]>> Well, three tiny words keep confusing me.

[00:00:20]>> Really? Which ones?

[00:00:22]>> To, for, and from.

[00:00:25]>> Ah, I see.

[00:00:27]>> Yeah.

[00:00:28]>> Go on. Tell me more.

[00:00:30]>> Sometimes people say, "I am flying to London."

[00:00:34]>> Right.

[00:00:35]>> Then they say, "This email is for the client."

[00:00:39]>> Uh-huh.

[00:00:40]>> And later, "I am from Canada."

[00:00:43]>> True.

[00:00:43]>> I understand every sentence when I hear it.

[00:00:46]>> Yes, of course.

[00:00:48]>> But when I speak English myself, >> What happens?

[00:00:52]>> I freeze. I never know which word to choose.

[00:00:55]>> Oh, I totally get it.

[00:00:58]>> It is so frustrating.

[00:01:00]>> That is actually an excellent question, Olivia.

[00:01:03]>> Really?

[00:01:04]>> Absolutely. In fact, >> Yeah?

[00:01:07]>> It is one of the most common mistakes English learners make.

[00:01:10]>> Oh, wow.

[00:01:11]Phew, [sighs] that makes me feel a bit better.

[00:01:15]>> You are definitely not alone.

[00:01:17]>> Thank goodness.

[00:01:19]>> But today, >> Mhm.

[00:01:21]>> I will make it incredibly simple for you.

[00:01:23]>> Oh, please do.

[00:01:25]>> We have a golden sentence for today.

[00:01:28]>> A golden sentence? I love that.

[00:01:30]>> Listen closely.

[00:01:32]>> I am listening.

[00:01:33]>> To shows the destination.

[00:01:36]For shows the purpose. From shows the origin.

[00:01:41]>> Wait, let me process that.

[00:01:43]>> Take your time.

[00:01:44]>> To shows the destination.

[00:01:47]>> Exactly.

[00:01:48]>> For shows the purpose.

[00:01:51]>> Yes.

[00:01:52]>> And from shows the origin.

[00:01:54]>> Spot on.

[00:01:56]>> Mhm.

[00:01:57]>> I have a promise for you today, Olivia.

[00:01:59]>> What is it?

[00:02:00]>> By the end of this lesson >> Yeah?

[00:02:03]>> you will use to, for, and from naturally in everyday English conversations.

[00:02:09]>> No way, really?

[00:02:10]>> Yes, without even thinking too hard.

[00:02:13]>> Oh boy.

[00:02:14]>> What is wrong?

[00:02:16]>> Please do not tell me I have to memorize lots of boring grammar rules.

[00:02:20]>> Aha, not today.

[00:02:22]>> Oh, thank goodness.

[00:02:24]>> Just remember three simple questions.

[00:02:26]>> Only three?

[00:02:28]>> Just three.

[00:02:29]>> I can definitely do that.

[00:02:31]>> I know you can.

[00:02:32]>> So, what is the big idea here?

[00:02:35]>> Well, imagine your English words are like little keys.

[00:02:39]>> Okay, keys.

[00:02:41]>> Every preposition opens a different door by answering a different question.

[00:02:46]>> That is a nice visual.

[00:02:48]>> Let's start with to.

[00:02:50]>> Okay, to.

[00:02:51]>> To answers the question where.

[00:02:54]>> Where?

[00:02:55]>> Yes. Now, let's look at for.

[00:02:57]>> What does for answer?

[00:02:59]>> For answers why or for whom.

[00:03:02]>> Why or for whom?

[00:03:05]>> Perfect. And finally, from.

[00:03:07]>> Let me guess. Where from?

[00:03:10]>> Brilliant. Yes, where from.

[00:03:12]>> Wow, that is much easier.

[00:03:15]>> Right?

[00:03:15]>> Where, why, and where from.

[00:03:19]>> Exactly.

[00:03:20]>> I get it.

[00:03:21]>> Now, close your eyes for a second.

[00:03:23]>> Okay, my eyes are closed.

[00:03:25]>> Let's paint a picture in your mind.

[00:03:28]>> Ooh, I love mental pictures.

[00:03:30]>> Imagine you are holding a strong bow and arrow.

[00:03:33]>> Okay, I have my bow and arrow.

[00:03:36]>> You pull back the string.

[00:03:38]>> Uh-huh.

[00:03:39]>> And you shoot the arrow, whoosh.

[00:03:41]>> Whoosh, it is flying through the air.

[00:03:44]>> Where is that arrow going, Olivia?

[00:03:47]>> It is going to the target.

[00:03:49]>> Exactly, to the target.

[00:03:51]>> Ah.

[00:03:52]>> That brings us to rule one.

[00:03:55]>> Rule one. Let's hear it.

[00:03:57]>> To means direction or destination.

[00:04:01]>> Direction or destination, just like the flying arrow.

[00:04:05]>> Exactly like the arrow.

[00:04:07]>> Can you give me an example from real life?

[00:04:09]>> Of course. Imagine you are at the airport.

[00:04:12]>> Okay, I am at the airport with my suitcase.

[00:04:16]>> You look at your boarding pass.

[00:04:18]>> Mhm.

[00:04:18]>> And you say, I am flying to New York.

[00:04:21]>> To New York, because New York is the destination.

[00:04:25]>> Bingo. New York is the target, the end point.

[00:04:29]>> That makes so much sense.

[00:04:31]>> Let's do another one.

[00:04:32]>> Hit me.

[00:04:32]>> Imagine we are drinking coffee in the break room.

[00:04:35]>> Yum.

[00:04:36]>> And I suddenly look at my watch.

[00:04:38]>> Oh, no, we're late for work.

[00:04:40]>> Right. So, I stand up and say, let's go to the office.

[00:04:44]>> To the office, because the office is our destination.

[00:04:47]>> Exactly. Your body is moving like an arrow toward the office.

[00:04:52]>> I really love this arrow idea.

[00:04:54]>> It helps, doesn't it?

[00:04:55]>> Definitely. But, wait, what about at work?

[00:04:59]>> Good question. Imagine your colleague, Sarah.

[00:05:02]>> Okay, Sarah from accounting.

[00:05:04]>> She stands up, grabs her laptop.

[00:05:06]>> Uh-huh.

[00:05:07]>> And she walks down the hallway.

[00:05:09]>> Where is she going?

[00:05:10]>> She walked to the meeting room.

[00:05:12]>> To the meeting room, because that is her end point.

[00:05:14]>> Spot on.

[00:05:16]>> Wait, Michael, what about things, not just people moving?

[00:05:19]>> Oh, great catch. Things can be arrows, too.

[00:05:23]>> Really? Like an email?

[00:05:24]>> Yes. Imagine you type an email, you click send, whoosh.

[00:05:29]>> It flies through the internet.

[00:05:31]>> Yes. So, you say, we sent the report to the manager.

[00:05:35]>> Oh, wow, to the manager, because the manager is the target.

[00:05:39]>> Excellent. The report is the arrow.

[00:05:42]>> And the manager is the bull's-eye.

[00:05:44]>> You are getting this perfectly.

[00:05:45]>> So, to tells us exactly where something is going.

[00:05:49]>> Yes, whether it's a person, a car, or a digital file.

[00:05:53]>> If it is moving towards somewhere, we use to.

[00:05:56]>> Absolutely.

[00:05:57]>> Wow, the fog is lifting. It is so clear now.

[00:06:01]>> Awesome. Now, it is time for a quick grammar minute.

[00:06:04]>> Oh boy, okay, I am ready.

[00:06:06]>> Don't worry, it is totally painless.

[00:06:08]>> Haha, all right.

[00:06:09]>> When you think of the word to, >> Mhm.

[00:06:12]>> you think of the word destination.

[00:06:14]>> Destination. Got it.

[00:06:16]>> And ask yourself one simple question.

[00:06:18]>> Which is?

[00:06:19]>> Where?

[00:06:19]>> Where? Simple enough.

[00:06:21]>> If your sentence answers where is it going, >> then I automatically use to.

[00:06:26]>> You got it.

[00:06:27]>> Awesome. I feel like a grammar pro already.

[00:06:29]>> You definitely sound like one.

[00:06:31]>> Haha, thank you, Michael.

[00:06:32]>> Are you ready for the next word?

[00:06:33]>> I am born ready. Let's do it.

[00:06:35]>> Okay, let's open a brand new picture in our minds.

[00:06:39]>> Erasing the arrow. Done.

[00:06:41]>> Perfect. What is the new mental picture?

[00:06:43]>> Imagine a beautiful gift box.

[00:06:46]>> Ooh, a gift box. I like this already.

[00:06:49]>> It has shiny silver wrapping paper.

[00:06:51]>> Nice.

[00:06:52]>> And a massive red ribbon on top.

[00:06:54]>> I love getting gifts.

[00:06:55]>> Me, too. Now, that brings us to rule two.

[00:06:58]>> Rule two?

[00:06:59]>> For means purpose or benefit.

[00:07:02]>> Purpose or benefit. Like giving a gift.

[00:07:06]>> Exactly. Someone is receiving a good thing, a benefit.

[00:07:09]>> Ah, I see the connection.

[00:07:11]>> Let's look at some daily life examples for this one.

[00:07:13]>> Okay, give me a scenario.

[00:07:14]>> You are back at the office.

[00:07:16]>> Back at work, okay.

[00:07:18]>> You just spent three hours typing a long document.

[00:07:22]>> Phew, my fingers hurt.

[00:07:24]>> You print it, hand it to your boss, and say, >> This report is for the client.

[00:07:29]>> Yes. Why did you make it?

[00:07:32]>> For the client. They get the benefit of my hard work.

[00:07:36]>> Exactly. They're receiving the gift of your report.

[00:07:40]>> That is a brilliant way to think about it.

[00:07:42]>> Let's do a literal gift now.

[00:07:44]>> Okay, a real present.

[00:07:46]>> You went shopping yesterday afternoon.

[00:07:49]>> Mhm.

[00:07:50]>> You bought a very expensive, nice pen.

[00:07:53]>> Who is it for?

[00:07:54]>> You tell me. Complete the sentence. I bought a gift >> for my manager.

[00:08:00]>> Perfect. Your manager gets the benefit.

[00:08:03]>> This is actually really fun.

[00:08:05]>> Let's try an abstract one now.

[00:08:08]>> Uh-oh, abstract?

[00:08:10]>> You can do it. Imagine our team is building a new mobile app.

[00:08:14]>> Okay, we are coding an app.

[00:08:17]>> We realize we need to buy a special computer program.

[00:08:21]>> Why?

[00:08:22]>> Haha, stop right there.

[00:08:23]>> Oops, what did I do?

[00:08:25]>> You just masked the magic question.

[00:08:27]>> Oh, I asked why.

[00:08:30]>> Exactly. So, you would say, "We need this software >> for the project."

[00:08:36]>> Yes, the project is the reason, the purpose.

[00:08:39]>> Wow, I didn't even realize I did that naturally.

[00:08:43]>> Because it is natural when you understand the core meaning.

[00:08:47]>> Give me one more, just to be sure.

[00:08:49]>> Okay, let's say you help me fix my broken car.

[00:08:53]>> I am a very good mechanic, you know.

[00:08:56]>> Haha, yes you are. You saved the day.

[00:08:59]>> So, what do you say to me after I fix it?

[00:09:02]>> I smile and say, "Thanks for your help."

[00:09:05]>> Oh, for your help.

[00:09:08]>> Yes, your help is the reason I am thanking you.

[00:09:12]>> It is the purpose of the thank you.

[00:09:15]>> Spot on, Olivia.

[00:09:17]>> So, let me summarize.

[00:09:20]For tells us why we do something.

[00:09:23]>> Yes, indeed.

[00:09:24]>> Or it tells us who receives the benefit of something.

[00:09:28]>> Exactly right.

[00:09:30]>> Just like handing someone the shiny gift box.

[00:09:33]>> You are absolutely nailing this.

[00:09:36]>> Haha, [laughter] I really am. It feels so clear.

[00:09:40]>> Then it is time for another quick grammar minute.

[00:09:44]>> Bring it on.

[00:09:45]>> When you hear or want to use the word for >> Mhm.

[00:09:49]>> think of the words purpose or benefit.

[00:09:53]>> Purpose or benefit. I've got it locked in.

[00:09:57]>> And ask yourself >> Why?

[00:10:00]>> Or >> For whom?

[00:10:02]>> Exactly. If you can answer why did I do this or for whom is this >> then I automatically use for.

[00:10:11]>> Excellent. You have officially mastered to and for.

[00:10:16]>> I am so proud of myself.

[00:10:19]>> Are you ready for the final word?

[00:10:21]>> Yes, bring on the third word.

[00:10:24]>> Okay, let's open one last mental picture.

[00:10:28]>> My imagination is ready.

[00:10:30]>> Imagine a train leaving a station.

[00:10:33]>> A train leaving the station. Choo-choo.

[00:10:37]>> Exactly. Where did that train begin its journey?

[00:10:41]>> It started at the station.

[00:10:44]>> Right. The station is the starting point.

[00:10:47]>> I see where this is going.

[00:10:49]>> That brings us to rule three.

[00:10:52]>> Let's hear it.

[00:10:53]>> From means origin or starting point.

[00:10:57]>> Oh, origin or starting point.

[00:11:00]>> Just like the train station.

[00:11:02]>> So it tells us where something comes from.

[00:11:05]>> Exactly.

[00:11:07]Let's do some real-life examples.

[00:11:09]>> I am all ears.

[00:11:11]>> Imagine you are at an international party.

[00:11:14]>> Oh, sounds fun.

[00:11:16]>> Someone asks, "Where were you born?"

[00:11:19]>> And I would answer, "I am from Canada."

[00:11:22]>> Yes, because Canada is your origin.

[00:11:25]>> It is my starting point in life.

[00:11:28]>> Beautifully said. Let's try another one.

[00:11:30]>> Okay.

[00:11:32]>> You your inbox at work.

[00:11:34]>> Mhm.

[00:11:35]>> You see an important message. Who wrote it?

[00:11:39]>> Let me guess.

[00:11:41]This email is from the CEO.

[00:11:43]>> Spot on. The CEO is the source of the email.

[00:11:48]>> They started the message.

[00:11:50]>> You got it.

[00:11:51]What about physical objects?

[00:11:53]>> Like a delivery?

[00:11:55]>> Exactly. Imagine a heavy box arrives at your door.

[00:11:59]>> Oh, I love getting packages.

[00:12:01]>> You look at the shipping label.

[00:12:03]>> And I say the package came from Germany.

[00:12:06]>> Brilliant. Germany is where the package started its trip.

[00:12:10]>> The origin of the box.

[00:12:12]>> One more business example.

[00:12:14]>> Hit me.

[00:12:15]>> Your accounting software pings with good news.

[00:12:18]>> Did we get paid?

[00:12:19]>> Yes. So you tell your team >> We received the payment from the customer.

[00:12:23]>> Perfect. The customer is the starting point of the money.

[00:12:27]>> So from tells us where something started.

[00:12:30]>> Exactly. Whether it is a person, an email, a box, or money.

[00:12:34]>> It's all about the origin.

[00:12:36]>> Ready for the listening challenge?

[00:12:38]>> Oh, wow. A test already?

[00:12:40]>> Haha, don't worry. It's a fun challenge.

[00:12:43]>> Okay, I'm ready.

[00:12:44]>> I will give you a scenario.

[00:12:45]>> Uh-huh.

[00:12:46]>> You are sending an important email.

[00:12:48]>> Okay, typing the email.

[00:12:50]>> You would say, I sent the email to the client.

[00:12:53]>> Or?

[00:12:54]>> Or I sent the email from the client.

[00:12:57]>> Mhm, let me think.

[00:12:59]>> Remember the arrow.

[00:13:00]>> Oh, I would say I sent the email to the client.

[00:13:05]>> Excellent. Why?

[00:13:06]>> Because the client is the destination, the target.

[00:13:09]>> Perfect. Challenge number two.

[00:13:11]>> Bring it on.

[00:13:12]>> You bought a birthday gift.

[00:13:14]>> A nice shiny box.

[00:13:16]>> You would say it is to my friend.

[00:13:18]>> Or?

[00:13:19]>> Or it is for my friend.

[00:13:22]>> Oh, that is easy.

[00:13:24]>> Tell me.

[00:13:24]>> It is for my friend.

[00:13:26]>> Absolutely, and why?

[00:13:28]>> Because my friend is the person receiving the benefit of the gift.

[00:13:32]>> You are on fire, Olivia.

[00:13:35]>> Ha, thank you.

[00:13:36]>> Okay, final challenge. Challenge number three.

[00:13:39]>> I can do this.

[00:13:40]>> Someone asks where your package came from.

[00:13:43]>> The package on my desk.

[00:13:45]>> Would you answer, "It came from Germany."

[00:13:48]>> Or?

[00:13:49]>> Or, "It came to Germany."

[00:13:52]>> Definitely, it came from Germany.

[00:13:56]>> Exactly, and the reason?

[00:13:58]>> Because we are talking about the origin, the starting point.

[00:14:01]>> Perfect, you aced the challenge.

[00:14:04]>> Yay, that actually felt very natural.

[00:14:07]>> That is because you understand the big comparison now.

[00:14:11]>> The big comparison?

[00:14:13]>> Let's look at all three together.

[00:14:15]>> Okay, putting the pieces together.

[00:14:18]>> To means, "Where is it going?"

[00:14:21]>> Destination.

[00:14:22]>> For means, "Why?" Or, "Who benefits?"

[00:14:26]>> Purpose.

[00:14:28]>> From means, "Where did it come from?"

[00:14:31]>> Origin.

[00:14:32]>> Three words, three different questions.

[00:14:35]>> That really is the secret, isn't it?

[00:14:37]>> It is the golden key to unlocking these prepositions.

[00:14:41]>> I feel like a massive light bulb just turned on in my head.

[00:14:45]>> Awesome, but wait.

[00:14:47]>> Uh-oh, is there a catch?

[00:14:49]>> We need to talk about common mistakes.

[00:14:52]>> Oh, right, the traps.

[00:14:53]>> Exactly. Listen carefully to this sentence.

[00:14:57]>> I am all ears.

[00:14:59]>> I bought this to you.

[00:15:01]>> Ouch, that sounds weird now.

[00:15:04]>> Is it correct or incorrect?

[00:15:06]>> Incorrect.

[00:15:07]>> How would you fix it?

[00:15:09]>> It should be, "I bought this for you."

[00:15:11]>> Exactly, because it is a gift, a benefit.

[00:15:15]>> Buying is not an arrow moving towards someone.

[00:15:19]>> Brilliant explanation. Now, listen to this one.

[00:15:22]>> Okay.

[00:15:23]>> I am going from London tomorrow.

[00:15:26]>> Mhm.

[00:15:28]>> But wait, in this scenario, you mean London is your destination.

[00:15:34]>> Oh, then that is completely wrong.

[00:15:36]>> Which word should you use?

[00:15:39]>> You should use to.

[00:15:41]>> How would the whole sentence sound?

[00:15:44]>> I am going to London tomorrow.

[00:15:47]>> Perfect. You avoided the traps.

[00:15:50]>> This is getting so intuitive.

[00:15:52]>> Let's test that intuition in a real conversation.

[00:15:57]>> Oh, a role play. I love role plays.

[00:16:00]>> Just act natural. Let's pretend we are chatting at work.

[00:16:04]>> Okay, I am pouring a cup of coffee.

[00:16:07]>> Hey Olivia, any big plans for next week?

[00:16:11]>> Michael, I am flying to New York next week.

[00:16:15]>> Oh, nice. Business or vacation?

[00:16:18]>> Business. I am preparing a presentation for an important client.

[00:16:22]>> Wow, that sounds exciting.

[00:16:25]>> Yeah, it's a big deal.

[00:16:27]>> Where are your colleagues traveling from?

[00:16:29]>> They are flying from Chicago.

[00:16:32]>> Great. And cut.

[00:16:34]>> Haha, how did I do?

[00:16:36]>> You used all three perfectly.

[00:16:38]>> Really?

[00:16:39]>> Yes. You said flying to New York.

[00:16:43]>> Because New York is the destination.

[00:16:45]>> You said preparing a presentation for a client.

[00:16:49]>> Because the client gets the benefit.

[00:16:51]>> And you said flying from Chicago.

[00:16:54]>> Because Chicago is the origin.

[00:16:56]>> See? You did it without even thinking.

[00:16:59]>> Oh my gosh, I actually did.

[00:17:01]>> Time for our final mental summary.

[00:17:03]>> Let's lock it into memory.

[00:17:05]>> Repeat after me.

[00:17:07]>> I am ready.

[00:17:08]>> To is for destination.

[00:17:10]>> To is for destination.

[00:17:12]>> For is for purpose or benefit.

[00:17:15]>> For is for purpose or benefit.

[00:17:17]>> From is for origin.

[00:17:19]>> From is for origin.

[00:17:21]>> That is our golden sentence.

[00:17:24]>> To equals destination, for equals purpose, from equals origin.

[00:17:30]>> I could not have said it better myself.

[00:17:32]>> I feel so confident now. No more freezing when I speak.

[00:17:36]>> That is exactly what I wanted to hear.

[00:17:39]Now, before we give you your practice challenge for today.

[00:17:42]>> Yes.

[00:17:43]>> If this lesson made English a little easier for you, please hit that like button right now.

[00:17:49]>> Oh, definitely. And do not forget to subscribe and turn on the notification bell.

[00:17:55]>> Exactly. It really helps us keep making these free lessons for you.

[00:17:59]>> Plus, you will not miss our next grammar secret.

[00:18:03]>> Spot on. All right, now it is your turn, listeners. We have a challenge for you.

[00:18:09]>> Yes, we want to see your skills in the comments.

[00:18:13]>> Can you make one sentence with to?

[00:18:15]>> And one sentence with for?

[00:18:17]>> And one sentence with from?

[00:18:19]>> Write them in the comments below right now.

[00:18:22]>> We love reading your examples, and we will try to reply to as many as possible.

[00:18:28]>> It is the absolute best way to practice.

[00:18:31]>> Remember the golden rule before you go.

[00:18:33]>> Do not translate in your head.

[00:18:36]>> Exactly. That always causes trouble.

[00:18:39]Just ask yourself three simple questions.

[00:18:42]>> Where? Why? Where from?

[00:18:44]>> Keep practicing your English.

[00:18:46]>> And you will sound amazing.

[00:18:49]>> Thank you so much for learning with us today.

[00:18:51]>> See you in the next lesson, everyone.

[00:18:53]Bye.

[00:18:54]>> Bye for now.