Prepositions For, Of and To

Prepositions are often confusing for English learners, especially when one preposition can have more than one meaning. Today we look at the prepositions for, of and to and three of their possible meanings.

For

For usually tells us about the use of something, a reason or purpose.

We need new batteries for the remote control.

These drinks are for after work.

We use it for cutting grass.

Of

Of usually shows a connection or belonging.

Is she a friend of yours?

This is a photo of my wife.

A glass of wine.

To

To usually shows the direction of something; moving towards.

We're going to Malta next week.

Where are you going to buy your new shoes?

We ran to the end of the street.

Now choose the correct prepositions in each of these sentences:

• 1) A knife ___ cutting fish.
  
  to
  for
  of
  
  
• 2) She walks ___ work every day.
  
  to
  for
  of
  
  
• 3) We bought a new sofa ___ the lounge.
  
  for
  of
  to
  
  
• 4) There was a phone call ___ you.
  
  to
  of
  for
  
  
• 5) The resort is open from May ___ September.
  
  of
  to
  for
  
  
• 6) She's the owner ___ this restaurant.
  
  of
  for
  to
  
  
• 7) Please give this message ___ Simon.
  
  to
  for
  of
  
  
• 8) He goes shopping ___ his grandmother because she's very old.
  
  of
  to
  for
  
  
• 9) They travel ___ France every summer.
  
  of
  for
  to
  
  
• 10) A large number ___ people.
  
  of
  for
  to