to us vs for us

English as a Second Language English Vocabulary, Grammar and Idioms
1

Hello :slight_smile:

I’ve been trying to figure out the right preposition to use in the sentence below but I’m just not sure which one to go for.

She used to treat everybody with respect. I suppose, her attitude is an about-face to/for us.

If both prepositions are possible, how do they differ when it comes to their meanings?

Thanks for the help. I truly appreciate it. :slight_smile:

2

Hi,

I used to have the problem like you. But after I’m using English for a long time, people said that American use “for” but English use “to”. And because I study in American School, so I change my way to use “for” all the time.

There is other explanation:

  • “For” is often used to express a recipient
    E.g.: I suppose, her attitude is an about-face for us.
    This sentence means: “you point out that her attitude is (only) for you and your friends”

  • “To” is often used to express direct towards.
    E.g.: I suppose, her attitude is an about-face to us.
    This sentence means: “To you, her attitude is very good. You only express your thinking but not really concern about her attitude.”

Besides, there are many words can take either to or for; e.g.: necessary, confined etc.

Hope this will help.

Regards,
Kim Sa

3

Thanks a lot:)