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Perfect Stranger Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

Prepositions - question no. 4: good for vs good to

Dear All,

I'm wondering if there's any major difference between good to and good for.

I think the following sentences are OK but can we use those two different prepositons without altering the meaning by doing so?

She's not good for you - here it means she's not a good choice (I guess)
She's not good to you - here the meaning is different... she behaves in a way that might hurt him (for example)

You're not good enough to get this job.
You're not good enough for this job.

Are they the same?

Thanks
  

Top answer

Your explanation of the first two sentences is correct. In the second two sentences, the meanings are essentially the same.

— Philip

  • Your explanation of the first two sentences is correct.
  • In the second two sentences, the meanings are essentially the same.
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2 Answers
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Your explanation of the first two sentences is correct. In the second two sentences, the meanings are essentially the same.
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You are comparing apples and oranges. The first pair compares prepositions, but in the second pair you use 'to' as part of an infinitive. In other words you don't have an accurate comparison in the second pair because you added the verb 'get'. 'good enough to this job' is impossible.

Your analysis of the difference in the first pair of sentences is fine.

CJ
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