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  1. #1
    Unregistered Guest

    Post "done for" and "done to"

    What is the difference between

    "What I have done for you"
    and
    "What I have done to you"

    also,
    what is the difference between

    "They recommended me this book"
    and
    "They recommended to me this book"?

    Thanks in advance!

  2. #2
    albeit is offline Banned
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Posts
    422
    Teacher

    Default Re: "done for" and "done to"

    Quote Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
    What is the difference between

    "What I have done for you"
    and
    "What I have done to you"
    'for' carries a connotation of benefit;

    I've done lots for you. I've cleaned your room, done your laundry, walked your dog, made meals for you, plus lots else.

    'to' carries a connotation of hurt [and possibly others];

    What has he done to you?

    He stole my girlfriend, my money, my car, my self respect plus lots else.


    Quote Originally Posted by Unregistered View Post
    also,
    what is the difference between

    "They recommended me this book"
    and
    "They recommended to me this book"?

    Thanks in advance!
    The first doesn't strike me as natural English.

    They recommended me for [something] a job, president, etc.

    1. They recommended to me this book.

    2. They recommended this book to me.

    Of the two, #2 sounds more natural, natural in the sense of common.

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