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Hsiaoyunh Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

to vs. for

I got confused about 'to me' and 'for me'.

Can I say

It's important for us to save energy.

It's important to us to save energy.

Saving energy is important for us.

Saving energy is important to us.

For me, this is important.

To me, this is imortant.

What's the rule to use 'to' and 'for'? What's the difference in meaning?

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

to me generally indicates that it is a value I have, I participate in saving energy. for me indicates that I will benefit favorably if everyone saves energy. Additionally: He sent the book to me (I received the book).

— Philip

  • to me generally indicates that it is a value I have, I participate in saving energy.
  • for me indicates that I will benefit favorably if everyone saves energy.
  • Additionally: He sent the book to me (I received the book).
  • He sent the book for me (he did me a favor while he was at the post office).
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3 Answers
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to me generally indicates that it is a value I have, I participate in saving energy.
for me indicates that I will benefit favorably if everyone saves energy.

Additionally:

He sent the book to me (I received the book). He sent the book for me (he did me a favor while he was at the post office).
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How about the following?

It's unfair to me.

It's unfair for me.

Thanks.
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Let's change the pronoun to "he":
  • "He is unfair to me" => "me" is the recipient of the action.
  • "He is unfair for me" => the action is carried out on behalf of "me".
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