having gambled for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "having gambled for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the act of risking something, typically money or resources, in hopes of gaining a reward or advantage. Example: "Having gambled for his fortune, he was now faced with the consequences of his risky decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Don't rebuke me for having gambled for you".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

I need to stop". Hinton says she has gambled for years, playing in casinos and bingo halls.

The Guardian

Another woman, from Kingston, south-west London, has gambled for the first time by staking £10,000 on leave, according to William Hill.

The Guardian

We have gambled for social cohesion and have lost.

Huffington Post

Later, during remarks to the foreign ministers, Prince Saud said that "the time has come for Israel to put its trust in peace after it has gambled on war for decades without success".

The New York Times

Not because, in a novel about the Holocaust, the author has gambled his calm for a trip into the absurd and the insane.

The Economist

She has gambled that it is time for the party to leave the baggage of World War II behind.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I haven't gambled for seven or eight weeks.

The Guardian

Thankfully I received treatment for my addiction, and six months later I stopped gambling completely and have not gambled for four-and-a-half years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Her final patient of the day is – unusually – a woman in her mid-40s who has been gambling for 25 years, and has lost £10,000 this year.

The Guardian

A woman has come in search of advice, hoping to help her husband who has been gambling for most of his adult life, but had successfully concealed it from her until a few years ago.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having gambled for", ensure the context clearly indicates what was risked and what the intended gain was. For example, "Having gambled for a better future, she invested all her savings in the company."

Common error

Avoid using "having gambled for" when the risk wasn't intentional or when there's no clear objective. For example, don't say "Having gambled for an accident" because accidents are not typically gambled for intentionally.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having gambled for" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It typically modifies a verb by describing a prior action that influences the main clause, according to the examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having gambled for" is a gerund phrase used to describe a prior action of risk-taking aimed at achieving a specific objective. As Ludwig indicates, this phrase is grammatically correct and most often encountered in News & Media contexts. While not particularly common, its usage adds a touch of formality. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the risk taken and the intended goal to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives such as "after betting on" or "having risked for" can be considered based on the specific nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

after betting on

Focuses on the action of placing a bet as a prior condition.

having staked for

Emphasizes the commitment of resources with the expectation of return.

having risked for

Highlights the potential loss involved in the action.

after wagering on

Similar to betting, but can imply a more formal agreement.

in hopes of gaining by gambling

Explains the purpose and method of the action more explicitly.

having speculated for

Suggests a higher degree of uncertainty and potential reward.

on the gamble that

Highlights the gamble as the foundation of some decision.

having gambled in order to

Focuses on the intentionality and the goal of gambling.

through taking a chance on

Implies a willingness to accept uncertainty for a potential benefit.

by gambling with the intention of

Stresses the deliberate nature of the gambling activity.

FAQs

How can I use "having gambled for" in a sentence?

Use "having gambled for" to describe a situation where someone took a risk, usually involving resources or money, with the expectation of achieving a specific goal. For example, "Having gambled for success, he invested all his savings in a new business venture".

What are some alternatives to "having gambled for"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "after betting on", "having risked for", or "in hopes of gaining by gambling".

Is "having gambled for" formal or informal?

"Having gambled for" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it's more common in formal writing, especially when discussing strategic risks or calculated decisions. Consider your audience and the tone of your writing when choosing this phrase.

What's the difference between "having gambled for" and "gambling for"?

"Having gambled for" implies a completed action – that the gambling has already occurred. "Gambling for", on the other hand, suggests an ongoing or habitual action. For instance, "Having gambled for a promotion, he awaited the results" (past), versus "He was known for gambling for high stakes" (habitual).