Learn English – Difference between “with” and “to”

differenceprepositions

"With" and "to" are very important prepositions in the English language. I know the usage of both prepositions but some points I become stuck with when should I use which preposition.

For example:

He is kind/good/generous to me.
He is kind/good/generous with me.

What is the difference between these two sentences?

Best Answer

'to' is directed towards only one person, whereas, 'with' includes both people. Example: John was talking to Smith. John was speaking with Smith. In the first sentence, only John is speaking. In the second sentence, a conversation of two people is implied.