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ESL forum >
Ask for help > help me!!!
help me!!!
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evellyn
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help me!!!
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Could you help me with this doubt???!!! please
Do I say:
It �s important to me or for me
I really don �t know when I should use to or for.
I hope you �ll help me.
kisses |
28 Jun 2011
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ueslteacher
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Oxford Advanced Learner �s Dictionary gives this:It is important for him to attend every day.important (to somebody) It �s very important to me that you should be there.
Let �s see what native speakers have to say...
Sophia
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28 Jun 2011
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yanogator
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It depends on the source/assessor of the importance. If it is internal, then we use "to me". If it is external, then it is "for me", followed by an infinitive. It is important to me to be a good teacher. Being a good teacher is important to me. (internal motivation) This is very close in meaning to "I think it is important to be a good teacher". It is important for me to teach my students well. (external motivation) This could be re-worded as "It is important that I teach my students well". So, "for me to" can be replaced by "that I" Bruce |
28 Jun 2011
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aliciapc
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As always, your explanations are so clear! Can you tell me if this works like that for other adjectives, Bruce ? Like, it �s essential / different / unbelievable to - for me ... |
28 Jun 2011
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yanogator
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No. The expression "important to me" involves a feeling, making it different from these other words. Although "essential" can mean "extremely important", it just doesn �t work the same. "Unbelievable to me" doesn �t sound wrong, but it definitely doesn �t sound native. We would be more likely to say "I find it unbelievable that..." Happy to help. Bruce |
28 Jun 2011
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evellyn
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Thanks for sharing you great explanations!!!
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4 Jul 2011
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