I bought my brother a phone vs I bought a phone for my brother

Both phrases are correct and commonly used in English. They convey the same meaning but have a slightly different word order. The choice between them depends on personal preference or emphasis on the recipient of the gift.

Last updated: March 15, 2024 • 1417 views

I bought my brother a phone

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase follows the pattern of 'subject + verb + indirect object + direct object.' It means that the speaker purchased a phone for their brother.

Examples:

I bought my sister a book.
She bought her son a new laptop.
He bought his friend a gift.

Show examples from the web [+]

On line I bought my brother a phone service Metro PCS and paid the bill online, Now my brother had my old phone, (since I transferred over to T-Mobile) The rep ...
I bought my brother a phone here, then it went crash in the street. At the Tanforan store the ladies talked him into a crapy phone with a new, impossible to ...

Alternatives:

I bought a phone for my brother
I purchased my brother a phone

I bought a phone for my brother

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

This phrase follows the pattern of 'subject + verb + direct object + preposition + indirect object.' It means that the speaker purchased a phone intended for their brother.

Examples:

She bought a cake for her mother.
They bought a car for their daughter.
He bought a necklace for his girlfriend.

Alternatives:

I bought my brother a phone
I purchased a phone for my brother

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I bought my brother a phone vs I bought a phone for my brother