- pronunciation:
- for
- parts of speech:
- preposition, conjunction
- features:
- Note, Homophone Note
| part of speech: |
preposition |
| definition 1: |
We often use "for" when we talk about the purpose, reason, or goal of something. When a tool is for digging, it means that the purpose of the tool is digging. If your dad buys a toy for your sister's birthday, it is because of her birthday that he buys the toy.
My mom said the long forks are for eating dinner, and the smaller forks are for eating dessert. |
| definition 2: |
When a gift is for your dad, it means that your dad is the person who will get the gift. When you watch your little brother for your mom, you do it because you want to help her or because she asked you to do it.
Mat made a special card for his teacher on the last day of school. |
| definition 3: |
When you get paid for your work, it means that you get paid as a result of your work or in connection with your work.
Liz was praised for her hard work.Jesse won a prize for his drawing. |
| definition 4: |
When you swim for an hour, it means that an hour is how long you swim.
I like to read a book for a little while before I go to sleep. |
| definition 5: |
If a pair of shoes is too big for you, then they are too big with respect to you. Maybe your friend could wear them because he has bigger feet.
The chili was too spicy for my brother, but I liked it. |
| definition 6: |
If you go to the kitchen for a glass of water, you go to get a glass of water.
Michael and his mom waited in the car while his dad went into the restaurant for the pizza. |
| definition 7: |
If you do something for someone else, you do it instead of them or to represent them.
Winston was shy, so his dad spoke for him at the doctor's office.Lily didn't want to clean the bathroom, so she asked her sister if she would do it for her. She said she would do her sister's work instead. |
| definition 8: |
When everyone in the family is for getting a dog, it means that everyone thinks getting a dog is a good idea. Nobody is against it.
Everyone in our class is for going to the park on our last day of school.- antonyms:
- against
|
| definition 9: |
When you pay a dollar for ice cream, it means that you give a dollar and you get some ice cream in return.
Karim said he would give me his potato chips for my cookies. I didn't want his potato chips, though. |
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| part of speech: |
conjunction |
| definition: |
"For" sometimes means "because" or "since."
I don't know if I like pineapple on pizza, for I've never tried it before. |
for or since?
For tells how long an action or state has continued over time.
Since tells when an action or state began.
Compare:
- I have lived here for five years.
- I have lived here since 1999.
The words
for,
four, and the prefix
fore- sound alike but have different meanings. "Fore-" is a prefix meaning "in front." You do not have a forhead; you have a forehead.