difference between 'important to' and 'important for'

[lilish]

what is the difference between important to & important for.
In the following sentence which one should be used?

..The young generation is important to?/ for ? france..

[Alan]

Hi,

There is a slight difference. 'Important to you' is personal. People talk about things which they consider are important to them - in other words things that are personally significant in theri lives. 'Important for' is used more in the sense important on behalf of/ for the benefit of.

Consider: His family is more important to him than his job but he should remember that it is important for him to realise that sometimes he will have to put his job first if he wants to get promotion.

In your sentence 'important to France' suggests that France considers young people to be important within society- 'important for France' suggests that young people they will benefit France.

Alan
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