给, 跟, 对 or 往

These coverbs also stand before the verb. They link the action to a person or a direction. English often uses 'to' or 'for' for several of them, so think about the role each one plays.

• 给: the receiver, or the person who benefits: 请给我倒一杯水 (please pour me a glass of water). After 送, 递 and 还 it follows the verb: 送给我 (give to me).
• 跟: together with someone, or compared with something: 跟朋友一起去 (go with friends), 跟你的一样 (the same as yours). 和 works the same way here.
• 对: towards or regarding: 抽烟对身体不好 (smoking is bad for your health), 对历史感兴趣 (interested in history), 对我来说 (for me).
• 往: heading in a direction: 往前走 (go straight ahead), 往左拐 (turn left). 向 also works.

Quick check: receiver → 给, partner → 跟, target of a feeling or effect → 对, direction → 往.