towards

[5jj]

There is no real difference between the first and the third. As always 'towards' does not mean the same as 'to'.

 

[Taka]

Then what is the difference between 'listen to...' and 'listen for...' (and 'listen towards...' if such an expression exists)? No difference at all?

 

[Rover_KE]

You listen to a sound that is already being made, such as music or a lecture. You listen for an anticipated sound such as a train coming or someone coming home from work.

We don't say listen towards.

Rover

 

[Taka]

Right. And if there is such a difference between them, I think it must be because of the semantical difference between 'to' and 'for' as they both use the same word 'listen'.

I've been wondering what the difference is. Hmm...

 

[5jj]

I've been wondering what the difference is. Hmm...

Rover explained this.

 

[Taka]

Where?

I've been wondering the difference between 'for' and 'to' (and 'towards'). Roughly speaking, they all indicate direction, but what those prepositions indicate doesn't seems to be exactly the same.

 

[5jj]

All prepositions are used for a large number of purposes, as you can see here:
for - Dictionary definition and pronunciation - Yahoo! Education
to - Dictionary definition and pronunciation - Yahoo! Education
Definition of towards | Collins English Dictionary
If you look up the words in other dictionaries here, you’ll find even more.

A preposition on its own is pretty meaningless. We can consider its meaning only in context.

 

[Taka]

Are you familiar with cognitive semantics, 5jj?

From that point of view, I don't think it's totally meaningless. In fact, it may be worth giving a thought.

 

[5jj]

From that point of view, I don't think it's totally meaningless. In fact, it may be worth giving a thought.

Give it all the thought you wish. If it helps you with your understanding of the meanings of 'for', 'to' and 'towards', then it will be worth it.

 

[BobSmith]

Unless the thread has been edited, I read "pretty meaningless" which is not the same as "totally meaningless".

 

[Taka]

Give it all the thought you wish. If it helps you with your understanding of the meanings of 'for', 'to' and 'towards', then it will be worth it.

To enhance my understanding from that point of view, I just wanted to know how you native speakers perceived those words; I was just interested in your cognition.

But as you don't appear to be interested in thinking about them in that way, well, it seems like I have to end the discussions here.

Thanks anyway.

 

[BobSmith]

To enhance my understanding from that point of view, I just wanted to know how you native speakers perceived those words; I was just interested in your cognition.

But as you don't appear to be interested in thinking about them in that way, well, it seems like I have to end the discussions here.

Thanks anyway.

You have a very good grasp of English.