for

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "for" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to show an intention or purpose (e.g., I am going to the store for milk) or express a duration of time (e.g., She will be gone for a week).

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But for how much longer?

The New York Times - Arts

There is a reason for this.

The New York Times - Sports

"For heaven's sake.

The New York Times - Arts

Nor is it always the worse for the society that it was no part of it.

The Economist

David Lean, for instance.

The New York Times

What does he stand for?

The Guardian - Opinion

For all of us.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not for me.

The New York Times - Arts

I take full responsibility for not being more aggressive on this front.

The Guardian - Tech

"For customers intending to start or finish their journey at King's Cross, consideration should be given to deferring travel plans to either Sunday or Monday.

The Guardian - Business

He was one of the most gentle and unflappable politicians I have ever known, yet he was immensely courageous, too, not least when he spoke for the country against the invasion of Iraq".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating duration, ensure the time frame is clearly defined. For example, use "for three years" instead of just "for a while".

Common error

Avoid using "for" with a specific point in time as a starting point. "Since" is the correct preposition for that. Use "for" to indicate a duration: "I have lived here for three years." Use "since" to indicate a starting point: "I have lived here since 2022".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "for" is to act as a preposition, indicating direction, purpose, recipient, or duration. As Ludwig AI indicates, it connects nouns or pronouns to other parts of the sentence, showing relationships like intention or time. Examples in Ludwig illustrate its diverse uses.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "for" is a highly versatile preposition used to indicate purpose, duration, recipient, or direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable. It's commonly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. When writing, pay attention to clearly defining durations and avoiding confusion with "since". Consider alternatives like "on behalf of" or "because of" for more specific meanings. Remember, according to Ludwig, "for" is a fundamental word in English, used across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intended for

Specifies the designated recipient or purpose of something, focusing on its planned use.

on behalf of

Highlights representation or acting in the interest of someone else.

in support of

Emphasizes advocacy or backing of a cause or idea, focusing on active endorsement.

because of

Indicates the reason or cause behind an action or situation.

in the interest of

Focuses on actions taken to benefit a particular person, group or idea.

in order to

Clearly expresses the intent or goal behind an action, stressing the purpose.

with the aim of

Emphasizes the goal-oriented nature of an action, often used in formal contexts.

during

Specifies an action occurring within a certain timeframe or event. It typically refers to shorter durations or specific events rather than extended periods.

as a substitute for

Highlights the act of replacing something with an alternative. Focuses on the replacement aspect.

over

Implies duration across a period of time or spatial extent, often suggesting a more general sense of location or time than "for".

FAQs

How can I use "for" to indicate a recipient?

Use "for" to show who or what something is intended to benefit. For example, "This gift is "for you"" indicates the recipient of the gift.

When should I use "for" versus "because of"?

"For" can indicate a reason, but "because of" is more direct and often clearer. Instead of saying "He was punished for his actions", consider "He was punished "because of his actions"" for greater clarity.

What are some alternatives to "for instance"?

You can use alternatives such as "for example", "such as", or "to illustrate" depending on the context.

How do I use "for" to indicate a period of time?

Use "for" followed by a duration to indicate how long something lasts. For example, "I studied "for two hours"" shows the length of the study session.