to vs for

[layla0302]

The report may provide further impetus for reform.

The discovery gave fresh impetus to the research.

I've seen that in sentences people use for and to like above..
But I can't tell the difference..I mean, are they interchangeable?
Can I put "to" where there is "for" in a original sentence?

Thank you!!

 

[billmcd]

Use of "for" in the first sentence is used in a general sense, whereas "to" would be more specific as directed at a particular population, culture, political entity, country etc.

In the second sentence, use of "for" would suggest that the research has not yet begun, whereas "to" would/could indicate that the research was already underway.

 

[birdeen's call]

Use of "for" in the first sentence is used in a general sense, whereas "to" would be more specific as directed at a particular population, culture, political entity, country etc.

Hello, billmcd. I'm having trouble working out the reason for the omission of "the" before "use" at the beginning of your sentence. Could you explain it?

 

[billmcd]

The article "the" is optional for a collective noun (e.g. "use". "operation" etc.) that represents general actions of persons including one in your post, ".......I'm having trouble working out the reason for (the) omission of ......"

 

[birdeen's call]

The article "the" is optional for a collective noun (e.g. "use". "operation" etc.) that represents general actions of persons including one in your post, ".......I'm having trouble working out the reason for (the) omission of ......"

Thanks, this is new to me.