For the sake of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "For the sake of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is being done for a particular purpose or reason, often to benefit someone or something else. Example: "For the sake of clarity, I will explain the process one more time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"For the sake of deliciousness".

The New York Times

For the sake of parody?

The New York Times - Arts

For the sake of feminism?

Independent

For the sake of clarification.

The New York Times - Sports

For the sake of Egypt, I will".

The New York Times

For the sake of mathematical tidiness?

Stanford University

For the sake of inevitability, it appears.

The New York Times

For the sake of appearances, the I.S.U.

The New York Times - Sports

For the sake of the team, Marty!

The New York Times

"For the sake of her soul".

The New Yorker

For the sake of their baby.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for the sake of", ensure the noun following 'of' is clearly defined and understood by the reader to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "for the sake of" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler phrases like "because of" or "for" may be more appropriate and sound more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for the sake of" functions as a prepositional phrase that introduces the reason or purpose for an action or decision. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is used to indicate that something is done to benefit someone or something else. Examples found in the search data showcase this function in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for the sake of" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to clearly indicate the reason or purpose behind an action. Ludwig AI highlights its use in benefiting someone or something else. While grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, it's important to consider the tone and register, opting for simpler alternatives in very informal settings. To ensure clarity, make sure the noun following 'of' is well-defined. Remember to consider source authority and context when constructing sentences using "for the sake of".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

In the interest of

Emphasizes acting in someone's or something's advantage or concern.

For the purpose of

Highlights the intention or aim behind an action.

For the benefit of

Focuses on the positive outcome or advantage gained by someone or something.

In the name of

Implies acting with the authority or justification of something, often a higher principle or cause.

With the aim of

Indicates a specific goal or objective driving the action.

For the good of

Highlights moral or ethical considerations influencing the action.

On behalf of

Suggests acting as a representative or advocate for someone or something.

In consideration of

Highlights thoughtfulness or taking into account certain factors when acting.

To ensure

Implies taking action to guarantee a specific outcome or result.

To promote

Suggests actions intended to advance or encourage something.

FAQs

How can I use "for the sake of" in a sentence?

You can use "for the sake of" to indicate the reason or purpose behind an action. For example: "For the sake of clarity, let's review the instructions again."

What are some alternatives to "for the sake of"?

Alternatives include "in the interest of", "for the purpose of", or "for the benefit of", depending on the specific context.

Is it always necessary to use "for the sake of" in formal writing?

While "for the sake of" is suitable for formal writing, simpler phrases might be more direct and effective in certain situations. Consider whether alternatives like "to" or "because of" would suffice.

What's the difference between "for the sake of" and "in the interest of"?

"For the sake of" emphasizes the reason or motivation behind an action, whereas "in the interest of" specifically highlights acting in someone's or something's advantage or concern. They are very close in meaning.