for or to?

[Offroad]

We discussed an application of the X method for the Y model.

I would not say:

The X method to the Y model. (this might work in a different context)

but

The X method for the Y model. (a purpose is involved, that method is for this model)

[Offroad]

Would you mind judging this sentence?

They have created a method to improving the performance of this model.

Many thanks.

[bertietheblue]

We discussed an application of the X method for the Y model.

I would not say:

The X method to the Y model. (this might work in a different context)

but

The X method for the Y model. (a purpose is involved, that method is for this model)

'to' is not dependent on 'method' but on 'application':

'the application of A to B'

A is 'the X method', which is applied to B, 'the Y model'

[bertietheblue]

Would you mind judging this sentence?

They have created a method to improving the performance of this model.

Many thanks.

Here, I'd say 'of' is preferable, 'for' is possible, 'to' is wrong (unless 'to improve')

[tungsam]

This one sounds good to me:

We have discussed an application of the X method for the Y model.

Why can't we just say that we discussed an application of the method for the Y model.

[bertietheblue]

Why can't we just say that we discussed an application of the method for the Y model.

We are talking about 'the X method' and not just 'method', but there is something in what you're saying. OK, I'll have to revise and say, in 99% of cases (especially here because you do apply methods to model!) the usage would be:

'discuss the application of something to something'
so: 'discuss the application of the X method to the Y model'

but, yes, I suppose the X method could be an existing element of the Y model and not something introduced by application, so:

'discuss the application of the X method for the Y model'

might just be possible but even here I'd use 'used in' (or possibly 'used for' or 'used under').

Anyway, I think I've exhausted myself on this thread so will leave it there for now.

[chester_100]

I agree with bertietheblue; further discussion is not necessary. But the following can make it clearer:

As I mentioned, apply + to is a correct formula.

If you change apply into a noun, its preposition will be still the same. This process is referred to as abstract noun phrase, as a result of which a verb is turned into a noun while preserving its verbal function. Of course, the abstract noun is usually followed by of and preceded by the:


the + application + of + something + to + something
The above long phrase is the direct object in the sentence:

we + discussed + [the + application + of + X method + to + Y model]

It's the most detailed explanation that I can come up with now.

Bye,