Meaning & use

for

preposition·Everyday

Used to indicate the purpose, destination, recipient, or duration of something.

See it in a sentence

She bought a thoughtful gift for her brother's birthday next week.

We walked for three hours before finally finding the old trailhead.

A note on using this word

As a conjunction, 'for' means 'because' and is formal or literary, as in 'He hurried, for time was short.'

Words with a similar meaning

This term is best learned through its definition and examples.

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Another way to use it

2. conjunction

Because; for the reason that (formal or literary).

She smiled warmly, for she already knew the truth would emerge.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “for”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.