[Grammar] For or on your birthday

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Will17

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Mar 28, 2008
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French
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France
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UK
Hello!

Does the question:
"What would you like on your birthday?"

mean the same as:

"What would you like for your birthday?"

Thanks a lot for your help
Will17
 

engee30

Key Member
Joined
Apr 1, 2006
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Retired English Teacher
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Polish
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Poland
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England
Hello!

Does the question:
"What would you like on your birthday?"

mean the same as:

"What would you like for your birthday?"

Thanks a lot for your help
Will17

♥♦♣♠ NOT A TEACHER ♥♦♣♠
To me, the sentence with for is straightforward - you're asking about a birthday present. What would you like on your birthday? could mean anything.
 

5jj

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Oct 14, 2010
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Czech Republic
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"What would you like on your birthday?" suggests that whatever it is that will be given will be given on the actual day of the birthday.
 

SoothingDave

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Apr 17, 2009
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Interested in Language
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To me, "on" is asking what you want that day: a party, your favorite food for dinner, etc.

"For" is about a gift.

I want a party on my birthday and a new video game for my birthday.
 
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