"I wanted to do something for you" vs "I wanted to do something to you"

Question

"I wanted to do something for you" vs "I wanted to do something to you"

Both phrases are correct, but they have different meanings and contexts. 'I wanted to do something for you' implies that the action was intended to benefit the person. On the other hand, 'I wanted to do something to you' can have a negative connotation, suggesting that the action was done to the person, possibly against their will.

Last Updated: March 29, 2024

This phrase is used when expressing a desire to help or assist someone. It shows a positive intention towards the other person.

Examples:

I wanted to do something for you to show my appreciation.
She wanted to do something for him to make him happy.
They wanted to do something for the community to give back.
He wanted to do something for his parents to thank them.
We wanted to do something for the environment to protect it.

Alternatives:

I wanted to help you with something.
I wanted to assist you in some way.
I wanted to do a favor for you.
I wanted to support you with something.
I wanted to be of service to you.

This phrase can be used when referring to an action that is done directly to someone, which may not always have positive implications.

Examples:

I wanted to do something to you to teach you a lesson.
He wanted to do something to her to get revenge.
She wanted to do something to him to make him suffer.
They wanted to do something to the company to cause harm.
He wanted to do something to the project to sabotage it.

Alternatives:

I wanted to do something with you.
I wanted to do something alongside you.
I wanted to do something together with you.
I wanted to do something involving you.
I wanted to do something in collaboration with you.

Answer 1

I wanted to do something for you

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It implies that the action was intended to benefit the person.

Answer 2

I wanted to do something to you

This phrase is correct but has a different connotation. It can imply a negative action done to the person.

"I wanted to do something for you" vs "I wanted to do something to you"

I wanted to do something for you

I wanted to do something to you

Related Comparisons