I'll bring a book for Helen

[Peter Chung]

Could you tell me the difference in meaning between the following two sentences?

1) I'll bring a book for Helen.
2) I'll bring a book to Helen.

Thanks a lot.

 

[bhaisahab]

Could you tell me the difference in meaning between the following two sentences?

1) I'll bring a book for Helen.
2) I'll bring a book to Helen.

Thanks a lot.

There is not much difference. You could say, if you wanted to be nit-picking, that #1 means the book is a gift for Helen, and that #2 could mean that you are going to give the book to Helen to pass on to somebody else.

 

[Raymott]

"1) I'll bring a book for Helen"

Helen might not even get the book.

A: We need five books. Helen's going to bring one.
B: Oh, Helen can't come.
C: Never mind. I'll bring a book for Helen. (in Helen's place, in lieu of Helen)