# for

/ˈfɔɹ/ (US) · /fˈɔː/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/for
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. intended recipient

preposition · CEFR A1

used to show who is intended to have or use something.

For teachers: indicating the intended recipient or beneficiary of an object or action.

- I bought a small gift for my sister's birthday.
- The architect designed the community centre specifically for the elderly residents who had lived in the neighbourhood for decades.

### 2. duration of time

preposition · CEFR A1

used to show how long something lasts.

For teachers: indicating the duration or extent of a period of time.

- We waited at the station for two hours before the train arrived.
- The researchers monitored the volcanic activity for several months before concluding that an eruption was no longer imminent.

### 3. purpose or reason

preposition · CEFR A1

used to show the reason or purpose for an action.

For teachers: indicating the purpose, goal, or reason for an activity or state.

- She went to the shop for some milk and bread.
- The delegation travelled to Geneva for the international climate summit to present their findings on rising sea levels.

### 4. destination

preposition · CEFR A2

used to show where someone or something is going.

For teachers: indicating the destination or direction of travel.

- The train for London leaves from platform four.
- After a brief stop to refuel, the cargo ship set sail for the port of Rotterdam.

### 5. in exchange

preposition · CEFR A2

used to show the price or what you give to get something.

For teachers: indicating equivalence, exchange, or price in a transaction.

- I sold my old car for three thousand dollars.
- The collector was willing to trade several rare stamps for a single first-edition manuscript from the nineteenth century.

### 6. support or agreement

preposition · CEFR B1

used to show that you support or agree with an idea.

For teachers: indicating support, favour, or advocacy for a person, group, or cause.

- Are you for or against the new plan to build a park?
- The majority of the council members voted for the proposal, citing the long-term economic benefits for the local community.

### 7. considering the standard

preposition · CEFR B2

used to compare someone or something to what is normal for that type.

For teachers: indicating a standard of comparison or a relative expectation.

- He is very tall for a ten-year-old boy.
- The winter has been remarkably mild for this region, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing even at night.

### 8. because

conjunction · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

a formal way to say 'because'.

For teachers: used as a coordinating conjunction to introduce a reason or explanation.

- We must leave now, for the sun is setting.
- The king grew anxious, for he knew that his enemies were gathering strength beyond the northern borders.

Usage: Always preceded by a comma when connecting two independent clauses.

## Examples

- I bought a small gift for you.
- The local community center provides free classes for adults who want to learn a second language.
- The committee debated the proposal for several hours before deciding that the long-term benefits for the environment outweighed the immediate financial costs.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.