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✅ indifferent to vs indifferent for — Common Mistakes with indifferent
Are you ever confused about whether to say “indifferent to” or “indifferent for”?
Many English learners struggle with this preposition choice, which can lead to common grammar mistakes.
In this post, we’ll explore the correct usage of “indifferent,” and help you avoid one of the most frequent errors in English grammar.
📘 What Does Indifferent Mean?
According to the Oxford dictionary, the adjective “indifferent” means:
adjective /ɪnˈdɪf(ə)rənt/
- Apathetic, detached
- Unbiased, impartial
- Unconcerned, disinterested
- Average, mediocre
- Unimportant, unessential
Common synonyms include:
- Unconcerned : e.g., an indifferent shrug
- Uninterested : e.g., indifferent attitude
- Mediocre : e.g., an indifferent performance
Opposites:
- Enthusiastic
- Passionate
- Brilliant
The word “indifferent” literally means “not different,” derived from the prefix “in-” (not) + “different.”
Historically, it was used to mean “impartial” or “unbiased,” especially when describing judges or decision-makers. Over time, its meaning has evolved to often imply a lack of emotional involvement or interest .
❗ The Most Common Mistake: Indifferent For vs Indifferent To
One of the most common mistakes in English grammar made by English learners is using the wrong preposition after “indifferent.”
While many mistakenly write “indifferent for,” the correct phrase is:
✅ Indifferent to [something/someone]
This structure is used when referring to something that doesn’t provoke emotional response or concern.
Let’s take a look at some examples — both incorrect and corrected:
📚 Some Examples of using Indifferent to vs Indifferent for.
❌ Incorrect |
✅ Correct |
|---|---|
| She used to be indifferent for the elections. | She used to be indifferent to the elections. |
| They’re indifferent for the company’s new CEO. | They’re indifferent to the company’s new CEO. |
| Most teenagers are indifferent for religion nowadays. | Most teenagers are indifferent to religion nowadays. |
| If they’re indifferent for the state, that doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t rely on it. | If they’re indifferent to the state, that doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t rely on it. |
| Donald Trump seems to be so indifferent for the environmental issues. | Donald Trump seems to be so indifferent to environmental issues. |
🔑 Key Takeaway
Always use “indifferent to” when referring to something you don’t care about or feel neutral toward. Avoid using “indifferent for” , as it is grammatically incorrect in standard English.
🔑 Key Takeaway
Always use “indifferent to” when expressing a lack of interest or emotional attachment toward something or someone. Avoid using “indifferent for” , as it is not considered standard in English grammar.
🧠 Final Tip
If you’re trying to improve your English writing skills, pay close attention to prepositions like “to” and “for.” Small details like these can significantly impact how native speakers perceive your fluency and accuracy.
