for them

USAGE SUMMARY

"for them" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a group of people that has previously been mentioned. For example: My friends were very interested in the new video game, so I got it for them.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For them.

The New Yorker

I hurt for them.

Independent

I'm pleased for them".

Independent

"It worked for them".

The New York Times

Let's go for them!

The New Yorker

And good for them.

Independent

For them, of course".

The New York Times - Sports

For them, not me.

The New Yorker

We speak for them.

The New Yorker

There's time for them.

The New York Times

For them and us".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "for them", ensure the pronoun 'them' clearly refers to a specific group of people previously mentioned to avoid ambiguity. For example, "The organizers planned the event specifically for the students, ensuring the activities catered to their interests."

Common error

Avoid using "for them" when the referent is not immediately clear. This can confuse readers. Instead, specify who "them" refers to: "The company created a new policy for its employees, addressing their concerns about work-life balance."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "for them" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the recipient, beneficiary, or intended target of an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "for them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that indicates benefit, intention, or direction towards a specific group. As Ludwig AI clarifies, it is appropriate for various contexts, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain professional or academic settings. The phrase appears most commonly in News & Media, Wiki, and Formal & Business domains. When using "for them", ensure the pronoun "them" clearly refers to a previously mentioned group to avoid ambiguity. Some related phrases are "on their behalf" and "in their interest". The top authoritative sources include The New York Times and BBC.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on their behalf

This alternative emphasizes acting as a representative or advocate for the group in question.

in their interest

This alternative focuses on actions taken to benefit the group or align with their well-being.

to their advantage

This alternative suggests providing a beneficial circumstance or edge for the specified group.

for their sake

This alternative implies that the action is taken out of consideration or concern for the group's welfare.

with them in mind

This alternative highlights the group as the focal point of consideration or planning.

regarding them

Focuses on the subject matter being about the mentioned group of people.

concerning them

This alternative focuses on an element about the group of people.

in relation to them

This alternative signifies the aspect of how the thing is related to them.

applicable to them

Indicates that something can be applied to or concerns the group of people.

targeting them

Implies the group is the intended recipient or subject of a particular action or strategy.

FAQs

How can I use "for them" in a sentence?

Use "for them" when you want to indicate that something is intended, designed, or done to benefit a specific group of people previously mentioned. For example: "I bought these tickets "for them" since they love concerts".

What's the difference between "for them" and "to them"?

"For them" indicates benefit or intention, while "to them" indicates direction or recipient. "I made a cake "for them" (benefiting them)" vs. "I gave the cake "to them" (giving it to the recipients)".

Are there more formal alternatives to "for them"?

Yes, in formal contexts, consider using phrases like "on their behalf" or "in their interest" to convey a more professional tone. These alternatives are suitable for business or academic writing.

Is it always necessary to specify who "them" refers to when using "for them"?

Yes, clarity is key. Always ensure the referent is clear to avoid ambiguity. If the context doesn't immediately make it obvious, rephrase the sentence to explicitly state who "them" refers to.