Given these two versions of a sentence:
For many people, dogs are the best friends.
To many people, dogs are the best friends.
I have following questions:
The prepositional phrases, "To many people" and "For many people," are grammatically correct. The clause that follows, "dogs are the best friends" is grammatically correct. The sentences are grammatically correct.
Is the difference in meaning between “To many people” and “For many people,” dependent on the clause that follows? A different example makes it clearer. "For many people, water is wet [when experiencing water]." "To many people, water is wet [in the view of]." When this distinction is applied to the original sentences, “For many people, dogs are best friends.” means in the experience of many people. “To many people, dogs are best friends.” means in the view of many people.
It depends on whether you want to emphasize experience or view.
The original sentiment, "A dog is a man's best friend." emphasizes the superiority of a dog over a person as a best friend. Many would agree.
This is a difficult one, even for a native speaker - this would usually be done unconsciously, but here is how I would use each preposition:
"For me ..." suggests a consumable, like coffee, or a favourite dish, and describing the taste, or lack of taste. If someone were to ask: "Which lettuce do you prefer in your salad, John?" The reply might begin: "For me, the crispiness of Romaine gives it a better taste..."
On the other hand, "To me ..." suggests possessions, or things in general, or something abstract, or even if no opinion is expressed. Very often, you'll see this at the end of a sentence: "Which airline company do you prefer, Sally?" The reply might go like this: "You know what, none of the airlines is really interested in the customer, they're all the same to me,"
Another difference is FOR = possession and TO = destination. They brought a cake for me. (it's mine); They brought a cake to me. (whether it's mine or not now, at least I'm the recipient). As to what's been said above.... French is important for me. (I need to learn it as I will study in France); French is important to me (I recognize its importance as it's spoken by (?) million people in the world; but even so it's just my opinion.
They are both correct, but they may not convey your meaning (depending on what you're trying to say)
"For many people, dogs are the best friends," means, that for many people, a dog would be preferable to, say, a human friend.
"To many people, dogs are the best friends," means, that many people consider a dog to be the best type of friend to have.
The expression "A dog is man's best friend," means, no person could ever find a friend that is better than a dog.
