for
preposition
UKfɔːUSfɔːr
used to indicate the purpose of an object or action, the recipient or destination, or the reason for something
Example Sentences
This gift is for my sister’s birthday.
We bought a new computer for the office.
They raised money for the community center renovation.
He left a note for her on the kitchen table.
We’re heading for the station now; we don’t want to miss the train.
Those cookies are for dessert, so please don’t eat them yet!
My friends organized a surprise party for me, complete with balloons, a custom cake, and an unexpected slideshow of all our best memories together.
Saving money each month for future emergencies can provide an invaluable sense of security and peace of mind, especially during unforeseen circumstances.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
conjunction
UKfɔːUSfɔːr
used to introduce a reason or explanation; similar in meaning to 'because' or 'since' (more formal or literary usage)
Example Sentences
He couldn’t attend the meeting, for he was feeling unwell.
I didn’t want to disturb you, for you seemed very busy.
She stayed indoors, for the storm outside was growing stronger by the minute.
Be careful, for accidents often happen when you least expect them.
He brought extra snacks, for he knew we might get hungry later.
I shall leave now, for it is already late and I have work tomorrow.
We decided not to venture farther into the forest, for the darkness and howling winds made it an unsettling endeavor.
You must prepare thoroughly, for a lack of preparation can lead to unexpected failures and lost opportunities when it matters most.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Indicates purpose, duration, or destination.The word “for” is a versatile preposition used to express various relationships, including purpose, duration, benefit, and destination. For instance, you can show purpose by saying, “I bought this book for studying.” In this case, “for” clarifies why the book was purchased. Similarly, you use “for” to indicate a span of time: “We waited for two hours,” specifying how long the waiting period lasted. When highlighting the intended recipient or beneficiary of an action, “for” steps in: “I baked cookies for my neighbor.” Beyond these everyday functions, “for” also appears in idiomatic phrases like “for good measure,” meaning “as an extra or bonus,” or “for what it’s worth,” which precedes a personal opinion or insight. In academic or formal writing, “for” can connect clauses that signal reasoning or evidence (“He left early, for he had an appointment”). Mindful use of “for” helps clarify relationships and avoid confusion about who or what stands to gain, how long something lasts, or why a certain action happens. Whether drafting a business proposal (“This project is for increasing our online presence”) or chatting casually (“I saved a seat for you”), “for” consistently establishes the underlying purpose or beneficiary of an action, object, or event. By understanding how to place it in sentences, you maintain clarity in your communications, ensuring your audience grasps the full scope of your intent, timing, or support.
Alternatives
Several alternatives can stand in for “for,” depending on the context. If you want to emphasize purpose, phrases like “in order to” or “with the aim of” may work in more formal texts: “We held a meeting with the aim of resolving ongoing issues.” To convey duration, “throughout” might substitute in certain contexts, as in “She practiced throughout the weekend,” although it often implies continuous activity. When highlighting benefit, “on behalf of” can underscore representation: “I am writing on behalf of our team.” Meanwhile, “regarding” or “concerning” might fit if you’re introducing a topic rather than showing benefit or purpose—“I called to inquire regarding the new policy.” Similarly, “about” or “as to” can position your statement as relevant to a particular theme: “We spoke about the upcoming conference.” Even “in support of” can clarify a stance or endorsement: “They rallied in support of their candidate.” While each alternative has its nuances, choosing them carefully ensures your message is precise. Whether clarifying motive, duration, or representation, these substitutions can be beneficial, especially when writing more formal documents or varying sentence structure. Ultimately, decide which option best suits the specific relationship you want to describe, be it a reason, an amount of time, or an expression of support or representation. By selecting from this range of synonyms and phrases, you maintain clarity without relying too heavily on a single preposition, ensuring your writing remains crisp, dynamic, and targeted to the situation at hand.
Writing
When using “for” in writing, clarity is paramount. As a preposition, “for” typically specifies why or for whom an action is performed, or how long something lasts. Being conscious of these functions can help you structure sentences that flow smoothly. For example, if your goal is to show time span, “for” is often the best choice: “We analyzed the data for three consecutive months.” Or, if you need to demonstrate intent, “for” signals it succinctly: “This proposal is for securing additional funding.” However, repetition can dull your prose, so mix in synonyms (like “to,” “with the aim of,” or “in support of”) when appropriate, especially in research papers or formal reports. Also, keep sentence variety in mind: pairing “for” with strong, specific verbs can make your point more impactful, as in “She advocated for wider community involvement.” Above all, ensure that each appearance of “for” clarifies rather than obscures relationships among ideas. By using “for” thoughtfully, you reinforce meaning without redundancy, guiding readers to interpret your message accurately. Emphasize directness, but also remain open to using alternatives when they achieve a more accurate or nuanced expression of time, purpose, or benefit.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “for” easily fits a wide range of uses, making your meaning clear and straightforward. You might say, “I got this gift for Mom,” explaining who the intended recipient is. If you want to talk about time, saying “We’ve been friends for years” captures the duration of your relationship without sounding too formal. When offering to do something helpful, “for” highlights your supportive role: “I’ll hold the door for you.” It’s also natural to use “for” when you’re giving reasons, like “I went to the store for bread and milk.” In informal texts or chats, “for” generally remains an obvious choice to describe motives and recipients because it’s short, familiar, and conversational. You can also slip in idiomatic expressions like “just for the record” to clarify your stance or “for sure” to confirm something enthusiastically. While synonyms exist, “for” is simple, direct, and universally understood, making it a staple in casual speech across all sorts of everyday scenarios and relationships.
Etymology
The preposition “for” comes from Old English “for,” which traces further back to Proto-Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots conveying ideas of forward movement, motive, or support. Despite centuries of linguistic evolution, “for” has held onto its central purpose: pointing to why something is done or for whom it is intended. In older texts, you’ll often find “for” functioning similarly to modern English, though occasionally it can appear in contexts or constructions that seem archaic to today’s readers. Over time, as English absorbed influences from other languages, “for” remained steadfast in its grammatical role, proving its versatility and resilience. Consider that even in new technologies and platforms, “for” remains essential in code, commands, or interface instructions—like “for loops” in programming. This adaptability underscores how fundamental the concept of “purpose” and “beneficiary” is to communication. Whether in medieval manuscripts, digital chat rooms, or programming syntax, “for” persists, bridging historical tradition and modern expression with ease.