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Posted by rfvv on Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 11:00pm.


1. I am looking for a dress to wear to the meeting.

2. I am looking for a shirt to wear to the birthday party.

3. I am looking for suits to wear to the conference.

(Are they all grammatical? Why do we have to use the preposition 'to' before a place? Can we use 'at' or 'in' instead of 'to'? What is the difference between them in meaning?)



English - Ms. Sue, Tuesday, October 19, 2010 at 11:11pm
They are all correct.

The prepositions "at" and "to" in these sentences mean about the same. You could use either one. However, "to" is probably used more often than "at" in these sentences.
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Thank you. What about 'for' instead of 'to'?

1. I am looking for a dress to wear for the meeting.

2. I am looking for a shirt to wear for the birthday party.

3. I am looking for suits to wear for the conference.

(Are they grammatical,too?)

Yes, all sentences are fine. And yes, "for" works well in these sentences, too.

Yes, the sentences using "for" instead of "to" are also grammatically correct. Using "for" in these sentences implies that the dress, shirt, or suits are intended for the occasion or event mentioned (meeting, birthday party, conference). It suggests that you are specifically searching for an outfit that is suitable for the given occasion. So, sentences like "I am looking for a dress to wear for the meeting" or "I am looking for a shirt to wear for the birthday party" convey the same meaning as the original sentences. Both "to" and "for" can be used in this context based on personal preference.