for
preposition /fə(r)/, strong form /fɔː(r)/
/fər/, strong form /fɔːr/
For the special uses of for in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example fall for somebody is in the phrasal verb section at fall.Idioms - used to show who is intended to have or use something or where something is intended to be put
- There's a letter for you.
- It's a book for children.
- We got a new table for the dining room.
- This is the place for me (= I like it very much).
- in order to help somebody/something
- What can I do for you (= how can I help you)?
- Can you translate this letter for me?
- I took her classes for her while she was sick.
- soldiers fighting for their country
- used to show purpose or function
- a machine for slicing bread
- Let's go for a walk.
- Are you learning English for pleasure or for your work?
- What did you do that for (= Why did you do that)?
- used to show a reason or cause
- The town is famous for its cathedral.
- She gave me a watch for my birthday.
- He got an award for bravery.
- I couldn't speak for laughing.
- He didn’t answer for fear of hurting her.
- in order to obtain something
- He came to me for advice.
- For more information, call this number.
- There were over fifty applicants for the job.
- used to show a length of time
- I'm going away for a few days.
- That's all the news there is for now.
- used to show a distance
- The road went on for miles and miles.
- used to show where somebody/something is going
- Is this the bus for Chicago?
- She knew she was destined for a great future.
- used to show that something is arranged or intended to happen at a particular time
- an appointment for May 12
- We're invited for 7.30.
- used to show the occasion when something happens
- I'm warning you for the last time—stop talking!
- in exchange for something
- Copies are available for two dollars each.
- I'll swap these two bottles for that one.
- employed by
- She's working for an insurance company.
- about; in connection with somebody/something
- They are anxious for her safety.
- Fortunately for us, the weather changed.
- as a representative of
- I am speaking for everyone in this department.
- meaning
- Shaking your head for ‘No’ is not universal.
- in support of somebody/something
- Are you for or against the proposal?
- They voted for independence in a referendum.
- There's a strong case for postponing the exam.
- I'm all for (= strongly support) people having fun.
- ‘What does Naomi think about the move?’ ‘She’s all for it.’
- considering what can be expected from somebody/something
- The weather was warm for the time of year.
- She's tall for her age.
- He’s not bad for a beginner.
- That's too much responsibility for a child.
- used to say how difficult, necessary, pleasant, etc. something is that somebody might do or has done
- It's useless for us to continue.
- There's no need for you to go.
- For her to have survived such an ordeal was remarkable.
- The box is too heavy for me to lift.
- Is it clear enough for you to read?
- used to show who can or should do something
- It's not for me to say why he left.
- How to spend the money is for you to decide.
- better, happier, etc. for something better, happier, etc. following something
- You'll feel better for a good night's sleep.
- This room would look more cheerful for a spot of paint.
Word OriginOld English, probably a reduction of a Germanic preposition meaning ‘before’ (in place or time); related to German für, also to fore.
Idioms
be in for it
(British English also be for it)
- (informal) to be going to get into trouble or be punished
- We'd better hurry or we'll be in for it.
for all
- despite
- For all its clarity of style, the book is not easy reading.
- used to say that something is not important or of no interest or value to you/somebody
- For all I know she's still living in Boston.
- You can do what you like, for all I care.
- For all the good it's done we might as well not have bothered.
there’s/that’s… for you
- (often ironic) used to say that something is a typical example of its kind
- She might at least have called to explain. There's gratitude for you.