preposition, conjunction
preposition
HELPNOTE For the special uses of for in phrasal verbs, look at the entries for the verbs. For example fall for sb is in the phrasal verb section at fall.
1 used to show who is intended to have or use sth or where sth is intended to be put:
There's a letter for you. * It's a book for children. * We got a new table for the dining room. * This is the place for me (= I like it very much).
2 in order to help sb/sth:
What can I do for you (= how can I help you)? * Can you translate this letter for me? * I took her classes for her while she was sick. * soldiers fighting for their country
3 concerning sb/sth:
They are anxious for her safety. * Fortunately for us, the weather changed.
4 as a representative of:
I am speaking for everyone in this department.
5 employed by:
She's working for IBM.
6 meaning:
Shaking your head for 'No' is not universal.
7 in support of sb/sth:
Are you for or against the proposal? * They voted for independence in a referendum. * There's a strong case for postponing the exam. * I'm all for people having fun. * 'What does Naomi think about the move?' 'She's all for it.'
compareAGAINST(2)
8 used to show purpose or function:
a machine for slicing bread * Let's go for a walk. * Are you learning English for pleasure or for your work? * What did you do that for (= Why did you do that)?
9 used to show a reason or cause:
The town is famous for its cathedral. * She gave me a watch for my birthday. * He got an award for bravery. * I couldn't speak for laughing. * He didn't answer for fear of hurting her.
10 in order to obtain sth:
He came to me for advice. * For more information, call this number. * There were over fifty applicants for the job.
11 in exchange for sth:
Copies are available for two dollars each. * I'll swap these two bottles for that one.
12 considering what can be expected from sb/sth:
The weather was warm for the time of year. * She's tall for her age. * He's not bad for a beginner. * That's too much responsibility for a child.
13 better, happier, etc. ~ sth better, happier, etc. following sth:
You'll feel better for a good night's sleep. * This room would look more cheerful for a spot of paint.
14 used to show where sb/sth is going:
Is this the bus for Chicago? * She knew she was destined for a great future.
15 used to show a length of time:
I'm going away for a few days. * That's all the news there is for now.
16 used to show that sth is arranged or intended to happen at a particular time:
an appointment for May 12 * We're invited for 7.30.
17 used to show the occasion when sth happens:
I'm warning you for the last time-stop talking!
18 used to show a distance:
The road went on for miles and miles.
19 used to say how difficult, necessary, pleasant, etc. sth is that sb might do or has done:
It's useless for us to continue. * There's no need for you to go. * For her to have survived such an ordeal was remarkable. * The box is too heavy for me to lift. * Is it clear enough for you to read?
20 used to show who can or should do sth:
It's not for me to say why he left. * How to spend the money is for you to decide.
IDIOMS
be in for it (BrE also be for it) (informal) to be going to get into trouble or be punished:
We'd better hurry or we'll be in for it.
for all
1 in spite of:
For all its clarity of style, the book is not easy reading.
2 used to say that sth is not important or of no interest or value to you/sb:
For all I know she's still living in Boston. * You can do what you like, for all I care. * For all the good it's done we might as well not have bothered.
there's / that's...for you (often ironic) used to say that sth is a typical example of its kind:
She might at least have called to explain. There's gratitude for you.
conjunction (old-fashioned or literary) used to introduce the reason for sth mentioned in the previous statement:
We listened eagerly, for he brought news of our families. * I believed her-for surely she would not lie to me.
