use of for

Question

Is (for) optional in these sentences?What should I buy (for) my mum for mother's day.What you I get (for) my girlfriend for her birthday.Buy (for) her a nice gift.

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

Is this what you mean?—

What should I buy (for) my mum for mother's day?
What should I get (for) my girlfriend for her birthday?
Buy her a nice gift.

#1 and #2 are the same structure. Why did you include both examples?
You cannot use 'for' in #3.

MrGuedes · Answer

What should I buy (for) my mum for mother's day?
Buy (for) her a nice gift.

Well, it is definitely optional in the last one, since it's clear that "her" is the indirect object, and not the direct object, which is "a nice gift" (in other words, it is clear that you are not buying her as a slave, so the "for" is optional).

In the first sentence, I think the "for" is also optional for the same reason, but I'm not sure, and the sentence sounds strange to my ear without the "for". Perhaps it is that, since there is no direct object, if you do not use "for" to clarify that "my mum" is the indirect object, it may sound like "my mum" is the direct object (which would mean that you would be buying her as a slave). I don't know of any rule that would require the "for" there, but I suggest using it there anyway, for the sake of clarity.

As for the second sentence, I cannot understand what you mean:

What you I get (for) my girlfriend for her birthday.

I mean, there is a question-mark missing, but that's the least of the problems. Now, what is the subject? Is it "I" or "you"? And what is it supposed to be the auxiliary verb? I think you've missed something quite serious there... However, the rest of the sentence suggests that the same thing I said for the first one applies to this one too, but I can't be sure.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister MicawberWhat should I buy (for) my mum for mother's day?What should I get (for) my girlfriend for her birthday?Buy her a nice gift.

Thanks, teacher. Yes, this is what I meant.

Mister Micawber#1 and #2 are the same structure. Why did you include both examples?

I included both examples because I thought that 'buy' and 'get' would make a difference.
Does that mean that the first two sentences are correct with and without (for)?

Mister Micawber · Answer

AnonymousDoes that mean that the first two sentences are correct with and without (for)?

Yes.

Mister Micawber · Answer

MrGuedes it is definitely optional in the last one, since it's clear that "her" is the indirect object, and not the direct object, which is "a nice gift" (in other words, it is clear that you are not buying her as a slave, so the "for" is optional).

No, it is definitely not possible in that position. Only this is possible: Buy a nice gift for her.

Anonymous · Answer

Mister Micawber AnonymousDoes that mean that the first two sentences are correct with and without (for)?Yes.

Thank you. Just curious, is it more natural to use (for) or not, or there is no preference?

Mister Micawber · Answer

Omitting 'for' seems slightly more informal to me.

MrGuedes · Answer

Mister MicawberNo, it is definitely not possible in that position. Only this is possible: Buy a nice gift for her.

Wait... Really? Can't you say "Buy for her a nice gift"? That sounds strange... Is there any reason for that?

Fivejedjon · Answer

MrGuedes Really? Can't you say "Buy for her a nice gift"? That sounds strange... Is there any reason for that?

That's the way English works.

I give a present to my wife. I buy a present for my wife.
I give a present to her. I buy a present for her.
I give my wife a present. I buy my wife a present.
I give her a present. I buy her a present.
I give it to my wife. I buy it for my wife.
I give it to her. I buy it for her.
(?) I give it her. ~~I buy it her.~~
(?) I give her it.. (?) I buy her it.
(?) I give to her a present. (?)I buy for her a present.
~~I give to her it.~~ I buy for her it.

RandomGuy · Answer

MrGuedesIs there any reason for that?

Non-parenthetical adjuncts and non-object complements (for her) can’t normally come between verb and direct object.

One exception is when the direct object is ‘heavy’, as in When he began to make money, he bought for her a large brick house on Elm Street in Winesburg.

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