motioned for vs motioned to

Both 'motioned for' and 'motioned to' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Motioned for' is used when someone is signaling or gesturing for something to be brought to them or done for them. 'Motioned to' is used when someone is signaling or gesturing towards a direction or a person.

Last updated: March 19, 2024 • 1332 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"motioned for"

This phrase is used when someone is signaling or gesturing for something to be brought to them or done for them. It indicates a request or a desire for something.

Examples:

He motioned for the waiter to bring the check.
She motioned for her assistant to come closer.
The teacher motioned for the students to be quiet.
The director motioned for the actors to start the scene.
The coach motioned for the player to enter the game.

Show examples from the web [+]

He was lying down, and I was seated, and he motioned for me to come over. ... Mabrouka motioned for me to sit down on a bench in a corner of the room, which ...
1. gesture, direct, wave, signal, nod, beckon, gesticulate She motioned for the .... C. VI he motioned for the doors to be opened → hizo un gesto or hizo señas ...
"Well, then, let's get started," Damian said and motioned for the vamp to follow as he strode towards the house's back door. He twisted and motioned one of the ...
... somebody (to do something) I motioned to the waiter. motion (for) somebody to do something He motioned for us to follow him. motion somebody + adv./prep.

Alternatives:

gestured for
signaled for
indicated for
requested for
beckoned for

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"motioned to"

This phrase is used when someone is signaling or gesturing towards a direction or a person. It indicates a pointing or directing action.

Examples:

She motioned to the exit for him to leave.
He motioned to the empty seat next to him.
The guide motioned to the group to follow him.
The officer motioned to the suspect to stop.
The parent motioned to the child to come closer.

Show examples from the web [+]

Lisa opened her door and motioned to Yancey, who immediately returned to the car. ... He motioned to the others to follow and they all went down the path to the ...
Republicans, who opposed the measure, motioned to have the bill sent back to committee, effectively killing it off. The Week in Wingnuts: Dog Background ...
To signal by making a gesture: motioned to her to enter. Idiom: go through the motions. To do something in a mechanical manner indicative of a lack of interest ...
Examples of motion. The guard motioned us through the gate. She motioned to her assistant. She motioned at the empty chair beside her and told me to sit down ...

Alternatives:

gestured to
pointed to
directed to
indicated to
signaled to

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motioned for vs motioned to

"motioned for"

"motioned to"

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