for

FOR/fɔɹ/SayFAWUK/fɔː(ɹ)//foː(ɹ)/

Often confused with since

32 meanings of for

1
intended usepreposition
Used to say what something is meant to do or be used for, as in 'a knife for bread'.
We use the big pot for soup.
I need a box for my old photos.
UsageSay for running or for soup, but to buy milk (not ~~incorrect: for buy~~).
2
preposition
Used to say who or what something is about, or whose opinion it is.
For me, summer is the best time of the year.
Things are getting better for the small shops on our street.
UsageSay for me to give your own view.
3
preposition
Used to say who is meant to get or receive something.
There's a phone call for you.
I bought flowers for my mother.
UsageSay a gift for you, but give it to you.
4
how longpreposition
Used to say how long something lasts or how far it goes, as in for an hour or for miles.
We waited for an hour.
She has worked here for ten years.
UsageSay for ten years but since 2015.
Similarthroughout
5
preposition
Because of, as in 'she was punished for lying'.
He was praised for his honesty.
I couldn't see for the fog.
UsageSay famous for or thanked for something.
Note
6
preposition
Used to say what someone wants to get or find, as in looking for keys or asking for help.
She went to the shop for milk.
He is trying for a place on the team.
UsageSay ask for help or apply for a job.
7
as representativepreposition
Acting in place of someone, or to represent them.
I'll sign the form for you.
The lawyer spoke for the whole family.
UsageSay play for a team.
8
preposition
To help, please, or honor someone or something, including by naming something after them.
Can you open this jar for me?
He gave up his seat for an old man.
UsageSay do it for me or cook for the family.
9
preposition
Used with certain verbs in fixed ways, as in 'care for', 'look for', or 'stand for'.
Who will care for the children?
What does the letter Q stand for?
10
preposition
Used before the person who does the action in a phrase with 'to'.
It's time for us to go.
It was hard for him to admit the mistake.
UsageSay it's time for us to go.
Note
11
in exchangepreposition
In exchange for, as in 'I paid ten dollars for it'.
She sold the bike for fifty dollars.
He traded his sandwich for an apple.
UsageSay buy it for ten dollars.
Note
12
good matchpreposition
Right or suitable for someone or something, as in 'the job for you'.
This is the perfect book for a rainy day.
That car is too big for our garage.
UsageSay it's not for me when something does not suit you.
13
preposition
At the time or event that something is planned or booked for.
My appointment with the doctor is for three o'clock.
We got tickets for Saturday night.
UsageSay a table for 8 p.m. or booked for Monday.
14
to be readypreposition
Getting ready for something that is coming, as in 'prepare for the test'.
The children are ready for bed.
We packed warm clothes for the trip.
UsageSay ready for bed or get ready for school.
15
preposition
Used to say you wish for something, or to bring in what comes next.
Oh for a cup of tea!
And now for the good news.
UsageUse now for before what comes next: Now for lunch!
Note
16
prepositionnonstandard
In nonstandard speech, 'so that', as in 'he left early for he could get home'.
Note
17
preposition
Supporting or in favor of something, as in 'vote for the plan'.
Are you for or against the new road?
I'm for leaving early.
UsageSay vote for someone, or are you for or against it?
Oppositeagainst
Note
18
which timepreposition
Used to say which time in a row something happens, like the first or last time.
She rode on a plane for the first time last summer.
I'm asking you for the last time: please clean your room.
UsageSay for the first time.
19
preposition
Used to say what a word, letter or sign means, as in "the word for dog".
Do you know the Spanish word for "thank you"?
On this map, the little blue P is for parking.
Note

Less common meanings

20
preposition
In order to get rid of or treat something, as in 'medicine for a headache'.
Take two of these for the pain.
The vet treated the dog for fleas.
UsageSay take something for a cold or treat someone for an illness.
Similaragainst
Note
21
conjunctionliteraryformal
Because, used to add the reason for something just said.
She hurried, for it was getting dark.
He said nothing, for there was nothing to say.
Similarbecause, since, as
Note
22
preposition
As, or in place of, as in using a box for a table or taking someone for a spy.
We used a stone for a hammer.
He gave me a smile for an answer.
UsagePut the thing you use first and its job after for: use a stone for a hammer.
Similaras
Note
23
make roompreposition
So that something or someone can have the space, as in 'make room for'.
Move over and make room for your sister.
We cleared the table for the cake.
UsageYou can also say make way for someone or something.
24
preposition
Considering what someone or something is, as in 'tall for his age'.
She is tall for her age.
It's warm for October.
UsageUse for after a describing word to name the comparison group: tall for her age, fast for a beginner.
Note
25
despitepreposition
In spite of, in the phrase 'for all', as in 'for all his money'.
She never became famous, for all her talent.
He is kind, for all his gruff manner.
UsageThis phrase can go at the start: For all his money, he is unhappy.
Similardespite, notwithstanding
Note
26
directionpreposition
Toward a place, as in 'head for home'.
We set off for the coast at dawn.
The bus is leaving for Boston.
UsageSay leave for London or head for home.
Similartoward, towards
Note
27
prepositionUK
In British speech, likely to get something bad, as in 'he's for it'.
If the boss finds out, you're for it.
After that mistake he is for the chop.
UsageUsed with be in phrases like for it, for the chop, and for the high jump.
Note
28
success ratioprepositionUS
In American sports, 'out of', as in 'three for four' (three hits from four tries).
He went two for five at the plate.
The team was one for ten on penalties.
Similarof
Note
29
preposition
Used to begin a list of reasons, as in 'for one thing'.
I can't come: for one thing, I'm working.
The plan is bad, and for a start, it costs too much.
UsageYou can follow for one thing with for another to give a second reason.
30
wickets lostpreposition
In cricket scores, used before the number of batters out, as in '305 for 3'.
At lunch the home side were 120 for 2.
India finished the day on 250 for 6.
Note
31
prepositionobsolete
Used to say what you are trying to avoid or are afraid of.
We'll have a bib, for spoiling of thy doublet.
1609, Francis Beaumont, John Fletcher
32
particlenonstandard
In old local speech, used instead of to before a verb, as in able for get up.

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Old English "for" ("for, because of"), which came from older Germanic and Proto-Indo-European roots.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

English 'for' comes from Old English 'for', meaning 'for, because of'. en.wiktionary.org
Old English 'for' descends from earlier Germanic and Proto-Indo-European forms. en.wiktionary.org