for · prep
for (SUPPORT)
B2 in support of or in agreement with
Dictionary examples:
I voted for the him at the last election. (22.3)
So let's hear some applause for these talented young performers. (53.0)
for the moment
B2 If you do something for the moment, you are doing it now, but might do something different in the future.
Dictionary examples:
Let's continue with what we already decided for the moment. (31.6)
for once
B2 used to mean that something is happening that does not usually happen
Dictionary examples:
For once, the bus was on time. (11.6)
for real
B2 taken seriously, not pretended
Dictionary examples:
I thought it was just a practice, but apparently it was for real. (34.7)
for (RESPONSIBILITY)
C1 used to say whose responsibility something is
Dictionary examples:
I can't tell you whether you should go or not - that's for you to decide. (35.6)
for (COMPARE)
C1 when compared to a particular fact
Dictionary examples:
She's quite tall for her age. (16.3)
for good
C1 forever
Dictionary examples:
When he was 20, he left home for good. (21.6)
for life
C1 for the whole of someone's life
Dictionary examples:
I will have to take this medicine for life. (16.6)
for long
C1 for a long time
Dictionary examples:
We didn't have to wait for long. (14.0)
for all
C2 despite
Dictionary examples:
For all her qualifications, she's useless at the job. (44.6)
for the most part
C1 mostly or usually
Dictionary examples:
I enjoyed it for the most part. (18.7)
for the best
C2 If something is for the best, it seems unpleasant now, but will improve a situation in the future.
Dictionary examples:
Moving to a smaller apartment really was for the best. (17.1)
for fear of sth/doing sth
C2 because you are worried about something/doing something
Dictionary examples:
I didn't want to move for fear of waking her up. (32.7)
for one thing
C2 used to give a reason for something
Dictionary examples:
You can't give Amy that shirt - for one thing it wont fit her. (19.9)
for (GIVEN/USED)
A1 intended to be given to or used by someone or something
Dictionary examples:
This funny shirt is for your cat! (0.0)
Is this funny hat for your dog? (0.0)
This funny book is for cats! (0.0)
I'd better buy something for the new baby. (10.0)
There's a message for you. (13.8)
for (TIME/DISTANCE)
A1 used to show an amount of time or distance
Dictionary examples:
I looked for my keys for days! (0.0)
I laughed for ten hours straight! (0.0)
He sang 'Happy Birthday' for ten minutes! (0.0)
I haven't played tennis for years. (7.4)
She's out of the office for a few days next week. (16.4)
I'm just going to rest for an hour or so. (23.9)
We drove for miles without seeing anyone. (28.8)
for (PURPOSE)
A2 having a particular purpose
Dictionary examples:
He bought a car for saving time. Now he's always late! (0.0)
I bought a hat for hiding my bad haircut. (0.0)
She uses a fork for combing her hair. It's not working! (0.0)
There's a sign there saying "boats for rent." (27.5)
Which vitamins should you take for skin problems? (36.4)
for (GET)
A2 in order to get or achieve something
Dictionary examples:
He's praying for good grades before the big test. (0.0)
He's begging for likes on his funny cat video. (0.0)
I'm running for pizza before the shop closes! (0.0)
I had to run for the bus. (9.1)
I hate waiting for the bus. (9.9)
Did you send off for an application? (24.3)
I've applied for a job with another computer company. (27.0)
for (PAYMENT)
A2 in exchange for something, especially an amount of money
Dictionary examples:
I'll dance like a chicken for free pizza! (0.0)
I'll clean your room for a lifetime supply of ice cream! (0.0)
He traded his boring job for a circus clown position! (0.0)
How much did you pay for your glasses? (14.3)
She sold the house for quite a lot of money. (23.1)
They've said they'll repair my car for $300. (37.4)
for (OCCASION)
A2 on the occasion of
Dictionary examples:
We're building a robot that dances for the science fair. (0.0)
I'm wearing a fish hat for the school play. (0.0)
We're making a cake shaped like a book for Teacher's Day. (0.0)
What did you buy him for Christmas? (9.1)
We're having a party for Jim's 60th birthday. (48.5)
for (AT A TIME)
A2 at a particular time
Dictionary examples:
I scheduled a dance with my cat for midnight. (0.0)
I booked a nap with my pillow for 2 PM. (0.0)
My alarm clock and I have a fight planned for 7 AM. (0.0)
We can give you an appointment for 10:15. (26.2)
I made a reservation at the restaurant for nine o'clock. (28.9)
for (BECAUSE OF)
A2 because of or as a result of something
Dictionary examples:
He got detention for bringing his pet elephant to school! (0.0)
He got fired for trying to teach cats to play chess! (0.0)
He got a medal for eating 50 hot dogs in 10 minutes! (0.0)
The things you do for love! (11.1)
Scotland is famous for its beautiful countryside. (16.0)
He's best remembered for his novels. (16.4)
He got fined for leaving his car in a no-parking zone. (66.4)
for (MEANING)
A2 showing meaning
Dictionary examples:
What's another word for 'sleep'? A 'bed vacation'! (0.0)
What's the animal word for 'laughing' in English? It's 'hyena'! (0.0)
What's another word for 'dictionary'? A 'word book'! (0.0)
"What does J. L. stand for?" "José Luis." (11.4)
What's the Czech word for "book"? (47.0)
for (TOWARD)
A2 toward or in the direction of
Dictionary examples:
I aimed for the trash can, but my paper hit the teacher! (0.0)
She jumped for the ball, but landed in the cake! (0.0)
I reached for my phone, but grabbed a banana instead! (0.0)
Just follow signs for Cleveland. (12.6)
This time tomorrow we'll be setting off for Peru. (34.3)
They looked as if they were heading for the train station. (39.3)
for (HELP)
B1 in order to help someone
Dictionary examples:
I'll do your homework for you, but only in invisible ink. (0.0)
I'll wake up early for you, but I might sleepwalk to work. (0.0)
I'll speak in a funny accent for you during the entire presentation. (0.0)
I'll carry those bags for you. (10.2)
for (REPRESENTING)
B1 being employed by or representing a company, country, etc.
Dictionary examples:
The clown works for a circus, making balloons cry with laughter. (0.0)
He dances for a company that specializes in silly walks. (0.0)
My grandma knits sweaters for the Penguin Protection Society. (0.0)
He plays soccer for D.C. United. (11.6)
He used to swim for his school team when he was younger. (23.1)
She works for a charity. (24.3)
for sure
B1 without any doubt
Dictionary examples:
One thing's for sure: my wallet always gets lighter after shopping. (0.0)
For sure, my alarm clock is my worst enemy every morning. (0.0)
For sure, my diet starts tomorrow... or maybe the day after. (0.0)
I think he's Canadian but I don't know for sure. (50.8)
One thing's for sure - once the baby's born, your lives will never be the same again. (53.0)
for fun or for the fun of it
B1 for pleasure and not for any other reason
Dictionary examples:
He wears a banana costume to work every Friday, just for fun. (0.0)
I sing opera in the shower for fun, not to annoy my neighbors. (0.0)
I juggle flaming marshmallows for fun, not because I'm a professional chef. (0.0)
I ran but just for fun. (14.6)
for ever
B1 always in the future
Dictionary examples:
My phone battery never lasts for ever when I need it most. (0.0)
I wish weekends could last for ever! (0.0)
This traffic jam feels like it's going to last for ever! (0.0)
I'm not going to live here for ever. (15.0)
for instance
B1 for example
Dictionary examples:
I'm great with technology. For instance, I can turn my computer off without help! (0.0)
I'm good at many sports. For instance, I can sleep for 12 hours straight! (0.0)
I'm very fit. For instance, I can run away from vegetables really fast! (0.0)
In the electronics industry, for instance, 5000 people lost their jobs. (41.5)
for example
A1 used to give an example of the type of thing you mean
Dictionary examples:
I like loud things, for example, cats. (0.0)
I eat round food, for example, pizzas. (0.0)
I eat funny food, for example, pizza. (0.0)
Some people, students for example, can get cheaper tickets. (29.4)
I like soft fruit, for example, peaches and plums. (61.0)
for sale
A2 available to buy
Dictionary examples:
Our teacher's homework is for sale. Any students interested? (0.0)
My grandma's secret cookie recipe is for sale. Don't tell her! (0.0)
Is that flying car in your garage for sale? (0.0)
Is this painting for sale? (10.0)
Our neighbors put their house up for sale last week. (34.4)