Important for vs important to

[silviasabater_2000]

Hi there,

I do not know when I should use "important to" or "important for".
For example in the sentence "other people's opinion is very important (to or for??) you.
Could anybody help me?

Thanks

[fiona bramble]

Originally Posted by silviasabater_2000

Hi there,

I do not know when I should use "important to" or "important for".
For example in the sentence "other people's opinion is very important (to or for??) you.
Could anybody help me?

Thanks

Hi Silvia,
I often tell my students that if it is "important to" someone, it just means that that person values that quality or aspect. If it is "important for" someone or something, it can mean that whatever is important can progress someone's cause in some way. Sometimes both can be used depending on the context.
Compare:
Being slim is important to me (I value being slim; I think I look better etc...)
Being slim is important for me/my career/my health (Being slim helps my career or improves my health)

Can you tell me what your example should be now?

Hope that helps!
Fiona

[silviasabater_2000]

Hi Fiona,
Thank you very much for your explanation.
I would say "other people's opinion is important for me". Is it right?

Sílvia

[fiona bramble]

Originally Posted by silviasabater_2000

Hi Fiona,
Thank you very much for your explanation.
I would say "other people's opinion is important for me". Is it right?

Sílvia

Oh no! I think I have to give more examples (Bad Fiona!)

My sons are important to me= I value my sons
A clean house is important to me= I value a clean house

It is important for everyone to know what is happening in Nigeria= this information can help people understand and help other people

As a nurse, it is important for me to wash my hands frequently=keeping my hands clean helps other people stay healthy

O.k...so, do you value other people's opinions? Or, do other people's opinions
help you in some way?

Let me know what you think!

[rajan]

to refers direction.
for refers cause / because (reason)

this work is important to me. (it can be important to me / you/ them - But it is important to me It is telling direction or giving indication in the direction of "me")
This work is importat for the society. (cause)
Sorry for being late. (because I was late)

Originally Posted by silviasabater_2000

Hi there,

I do not know when I should use "important to" or "important for".
For example in the sentence "other people's opinion is very important (to or for??) you.
Could anybody help me?

Thanks

[sploke]

I hope this example helps.
You are not well.
It is important for you to get well.
It is important to the family that you get well.
(Hope you see the subtle difference)

[silviasabater_2000]

Thank you so much. Now I understand