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Old 19-Apr-2004, 13:44
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Default Re: STUDENT QUESTION - FOR & TO HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!

Quote:
Originally Posted by makavelithedon
Hi all,

Apologies for not logging in but I am having problems with my forgotten password and retireval through my e-mail, anyhow:

I had a student ask me this question today and was at a loss for a comprehensive answer!

Which is correct and why?

"This is important to me".

"This is important for me".

I have tried Practical english usage and there is a reference with 'for' usage with noun/pronoun but I found it as clear as mud and did not answer this context!

I found a basic reference to the use of for + noun and to + verb in Murphy's essential grammar.......but I have heard both used many many times over the years in BE and I cannot say that either sound incorrect to me. If there is a rule in the regard to their usage in this context could one of you please shed a little light.

Many many thanks in advance,


Mak.
They are both correct.

The sense of "important to me" is that that speaker cares about something.

The sense of "important for me" is that something will be halpful or useful to the speaker.

A college education is important to me. (I care about education and I want to be educated.)

A college education is important for me. (I will be able to use it to get where I want to go.)

:wink:
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