To vs. for

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hsiaoyunh

#572259 Wed, 01 Oct 08 04:30 PM

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.

hsiaoyunh

Joined on Thu, Sep 25 2008

New Member (31)

Philip

#572261 Wed, 01 Oct 08 04:34 PM

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).