The Correct Use of 'To' and 'For' after 'Kind'

The English language often presents unusual quirks, one of which involves the use of prepositions. Let's explore the scenarios where to and for can be used after the adjective kind.

Understanding Prepositions in English

Prepositions are words that indicate the relationship between a noun or pronoun and other parts of a sentence. While many forms of kind can be followed by both to and for, there is a clear difference in usage. Let's delve into the correct forms and their meanings.

Proper Usage: 'To' Followed by 'Kind'

When kind is used with the preposition to, it implies a manner or the way in which someone does something. Here are some examples to illustrate this:

You must be kind to your family. Life has not been kind to him. My grandmother is kind to her grandchildren. Teachers ought to be kind to students.

In these sentences, the action of being kind is directed towards a particular group or individual, indicating a relationship or interaction.

Proper Usage: 'For' Followed by 'Kind'

On the other hand, kind followed by for is used to denote the nature of something. Here are some examples:

This soap is kind for your skin. Excessive heat is not kind for animals. The organizers were kind for providing free covered parking facilities to attendees.

In these cases, the preposition for is used to describe the quality or state of something.

Exploring Exceptions

There are scenarios where kind can be followed by both to and for, but the meanings differ slightly. For instance, the phrase “be kind to someone for something” suggests lavish, generous kindness, as in:

She was very kind to me.

He was very kind to me.

Here, the noun phrase following kind helps to specify the nature of the kindness, but in this specific context, the preposition used is actually for.

It's important to note that the correct preposition can sometimes indicate whether the kindness is being directed towards a person (use to) or whether it refers to the nature of something (use for). These nuances make for an interesting linguistic study, especially for learners and even native speakers who might not always be aware of these distinctions.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between using to and for after kind can greatly improve one's English proficiency. While it might seem confusing at first, with practice, you'll be able to use these prepositions correctly and improve your overall language skills.

Further Reading

For more insights into preposition usage and to enhance your understanding of English, consider exploring the following resources: