“Pour” Explained: For vs. To
“Pour” Explained: For vs. To — If you’ve ever hesitated when translating pour in French, you’re not alone. This common word can mean for or to depending on the context. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to tell the difference, with simple rules, examples, and tips to make your French sound more natural.
1️⃣ The Golden Rule: Look at the word after pour
A) If pour is followed by a noun or pronoun → it usually means “FOR”
You’re talking about a recipient, a purpose, or a benefit.
Examples:
- Ce cadeau est pour toi. → This gift is for you.
- Merci pour ton aide. → Thanks for your help.
- J’économise pour un voyage. → I’m saving for a trip.
💡 Tip: If you can replace “for” in English with “on behalf of” or “intended for,” then pour probably means “for.”
B) If pour is followed by a verb in the infinitive → it usually means “TO”
You’re talking about a goal, intention, or consequence.
Examples:
- Je travaille pour gagner de l’argent. → I work to earn money.
- Il a tout fait pour réussir. → He did everything to succeed.
- Tu es trop jeune pour conduire. → You’re too young to drive.
💡 Tip: If pour is followed by a verb in its infinitive form (ending in -er, -ir, -re), it usually translates as “to + verb.”
2️⃣ Quick Reference Table
| If “pour” is followed by… | It usually means… | Example in French | English Translation |
| Noun or pronoun | for | pour toi | for you |
| pour Marie | for Marie | ||
| pour le dîner | for dinner | ||
| Verb in the infinitive (-er, -ir, -re) | to | pour manger | to eat |
| pour réussir | to succeed< | ||
| pour gagner | to win / to earn< |
3️⃣ Extra Tips
- If it’s followed by a reason or benefit, it’s almost always “for.”
- If it’s followed by an action or goal, it’s almost always “to.”
- Be aware of idiomatic expressions — for example, pour rien = for nothing.
Basic Grammar for level 1 – List
1. The alphabet: L’alphabet
2. French Silent Letters: Lettres muettes françaises
3. French Letter Combinations: Combinaisons de lettres (Practice)
4. Articles: Articles
5. Masculine or feminine nouns: Noms masculins ou féminins
6. The interrogative form: la forme interrogative
a) Question words : Les mots interrogatifs
7. Prepositions(go, come – present)(Practice)
a) The preposition “à”
b) The preposition “de”
8. French expressions:
a) Two words
b) Three words
9. Accents: Accents
10. Liaison: Liaison
11. Possessive adjectives: Adjectifs possessifs (Practice)
12. The negative form: La forme négative
a) Negative words in French: Les mots négatifs en français
13. C’est – Il est – elle est: It is – He is – she is
14. Quiz Game Level 1: Quiz
Basic Conjugation for L1
1. Personal Pronouns: Personal Pronouns
a) Subject pronouns: Pronoms sujets
b) You or you: Tu or vous
c) (Practice)
2. Infinitive and conjugated verbs
3. The verb to be: Le verbe être
4. The verb to have: Le verbe avoir
5. The verb to go: Le verbe aller
6. The verb to do: Le verbe faire
7. To be, To have, To go, To do
8. ER Verbs: (Phonetic pronunciation)
9. IR Verbs: (Phonetic pronunciation)
10. RE Verbs: (Phonetic pronunciation)
11. Sentences with ER verbs
12. Sentences with IR verbs
13. Sentences with RE verbs
14. Most Common French Verbs
15. REGULAR Verbs:
a) (Verbes)
b) (Sentences)
c) (Practice)
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