[Grammar] describe it to or for?

[Will17]

Hello!

Can we use "to" and "for" interchangeably in this case, please?

"Describe this picture for/to me".

Thank you
W

 

[5jj]

Yes.

(I like your questions, Will. They are usually straightforward.)

 

[engee30]

Hello!

Can we use "to" and "for" interchangeably in this case, please?

"Describe this picture for/to me".

Thank you
W

♥♦♣♠ NOT A TEACHER ♥♦♣♠
The two prepositions seem to be interchangeable. The sense of the use of to me is that I will be the sole recipient of your description; for me could mean the same as to me, as well as conveying the idea of substitution - someone other than you might describe the picture to someone else, instead of you.

 

[5jj]

for me could mean the same as to me, as well as conveying the idea of substitution - someone other than you might describe the picture to someone else, instead of you.

A good point. I hadn't thought of that.