Meaning & use
for their sake
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Meaning
phrasefixed phrase
for the benefit or good of a particular person or people
Grammar: Used as an adverbial phrase, often after a verb.
Patterns
- for their sake
- do something for their sake
Please stop arguing for their sake; the children are getting upset.
He worked hard for their sake, wanting to give them a better life.
I hope you'll forgive him for their sake, if not for his own.
Common combinations
- for the sake of
- For the sake of peace, she said nothing.
- for my sake
- Do it for my sake, please.
- for your own sake
- You should study for your own sake, not just to please your parents.
Synonyms and how they differ
- for the benefit of
- More formal and explicit; 'for their sake' is more personal and emotional.
- on behalf of
- Means 'as a representative of'; 'for their sake' means 'for their good', not representation.
Commonly confused: for their sake or for goodness' sake?
for their sake vs for goodness' sake
An exclamation showing annoyance or surprise (e.g., 'For goodness' sake, be quiet!'). 'For their sake' means 'for their benefit'.
Practice
She gave up her career ______, wanting them to have a better future.
Choose one answer.
'For their sake' is the correct fixed phrase meaning 'for their benefit'. 'For their behalf' is not standard English; 'on their behalf' would be correct, but it means 'as their representative', not 'for their benefit'.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “for their sake”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.