Another Writing Question

Test Preparation SAT Preparation
1

<p>A (For) any mayor of a vast metropolitan area, an B (understanding of) current issues in all districts C (is) not only D (desirous) but also vital.</p>

<p>I understand that D is incorrect; it should be "desirable". </p>

<p>Regarding Choice A, I know "for" is correct because I guess here it's used for the benefit of, one of the two functions of that preposition, but would "to" also work? Can "to" also be used in the same way; e.g. "to him, this is very important".</p>

<p>This might be a complicated question, because I've looked online and can't find a concrete dividing line between "to" and "for", especially in this case.</p>

2

<p>I believe both forms are correct. The difference depends upon the meaning intended by the writer. “For any mayor…” suggests that the mayor is not making a judgment of the vital nature of the understanding, but that the mayor is the beneficiary of (benefits by) such an understanding. “To any mayor…” suggests that the mayor has considered whether or not such an understanding is vital and has concluded that it is.</p>

3

<p>It must be desirable–“desirous” can only be applied to one who holds a desire, something that “understanding” obviously cannot do:</p>

<p>Fred is desirous of a new miniskirt.</p>