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Angliholic Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

He cries out for/to someone to wake him up,

He cries out for/to someone to wake him up, but no one can hear him.

Are for and to interchangeable in the above? If not, why not? Thanks.
  

Top answer

'Cries out to John" - John is within sight. 'Cries out for John" carries 'searching for' connotation. John is not within sight.

— Hoa Thai

  • 'Cries out to John" - John is within sight.
  • 'Cries out for John" carries 'searching for' connotation.
  • John is not within sight.
  • Take care, Hoa Thai
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7 Answers
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'Cries out to John" - John is within sight.
'Cries out for John" carries 'searching for' connotation. John is not within sight.

Take care,
Hoa Thai
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But if he is asleep, how can he call out to people?
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Hoa Thai'Cries out to John" - John is within sight.
'Cries out for John" carries 'searching for' connotation. John is not within sight.

Take care,
Hoa Thai
Thanks, Hoa.

Your explanation sounds very reasonable!
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Grammar GeekBut if he is asleep, how can he call out to people?

Thanks, GG.

Actually, he is not asleep but dead. It's his ghost or soul that is speaking.
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Ah, well, that explains why they can't hear him then, doesn't it.
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Angliholic
Grammar GeekBut if he is asleep, how can he call out to people?

Thanks, GG.

Actually, he is not asleep but dead. It's his ghost or soul that is speaking.
Hi Angliholic,

Do you believe in ghost? I have never seen one, but I am easily scared about stories of unknown worlds.
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Hoa Thai
Angliholic
Grammar Geek
But if he is asleep, how can he call out to people?

Thanks, GG.

Actually, he is not asleep but dead. It's his ghost or soul that is speaking.

Hi Angliholic,

Do you believe in ghost? I have never seen one, but I am easily scared
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