ENGLISH
REFERENCE

for the benefit of sb

prep. phr..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford

prep. phr.. to do something specifically to help someone or to make sure they understand something.

prep. phr.. a prepositional phrase used to indicate the intended recipient of an advantage, or to specify the person for whom an action is performed to ensure clarity or assistance.


SIMPLE

I repeated the instructions for the benefit of the new students.

CONTEXTUAL

The presentation was translated into French for the benefit of the visiting delegates.

COMPLEX

The judge requested that the witness speak more slowly for the benefit of the court reporter who was struggling to keep pace.

Usage

the 'sb' is usually replaced by a noun phrase or a possessive adjective like 'my' or 'your'.

Teaching tip

highlight that this phrase often implies a deliberate adjustment made to accommodate someone else's needs or lack of knowledge.

Pitfall

I did it for the benefit to him.I did it for the benefit of him.the preposition 'of' must follow 'benefit' to link it to the person receiving the help.

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