Some verbs, like give, send and buy, can have two objects: a person and a thing. You can put the person first, or put the thing first and add to or for before the person.
The pattern
I sent my friend a photo.
I sent a photo to my friend.
Dad made dinner for us.
01Two ways to say it
Pattern 1 is verb + person + thing. Pattern 2 is verb + thing + to or for + person. Both are correct and mean the same. We often put the newest or most important information at the end.
- Can you pass me the salt?
- Can you pass the salt to me?
- My boss showed me the new schedule.
- He lent his car to his brother.
02To or for?
Use to when the thing goes from one person to another. Use for when you do something to help someone or make them happy.
| Verbs with to | Verbs with for |
|---|---|
| give, send, show | buy, get, make |
| tell, lend, offer | cook, find, save |
| pay, sell, write | order, bake, build |
| hand, pass, teach | book, grab, pour |
03Verbs that always need to
Some verbs look similar, but they can't use pattern 1. With explain, describe, suggest, say, report and introduce, the person always comes after to.
- Can you explain the problem to me?
- She described the apartment to us.
- He said hello to everyone.
- Let me introduce you to my manager.
04Pronouns: give it to me
When the thing is a pronoun like it or them, use pattern 2: give it to me, send them to Sara. You may hear "give me it" in casual speech, but it's best to avoid it.
- I have your charger. I'll give it to you tomorrow.
- Those photos are great. Can you send them to me?
05Common mistakes
She explained me the rule.
She explained the rule to me.
Explain can't take the person right after it. Use to + person.
Can you give me it?
Can you give it to me?
When the thing is it or them, put it first and use to.
I bought a gift to my mom.
I bought a gift for my mom.
Buy uses for, not to.
He said me hello.
He said hello to me.
Say needs to before the person. Or use tell: he told me.