Meaning of for In English

• 0 intended to be given to:

  • There's a phone message for you.

  • I'd better buy something for the new baby.

  • There's a prize for the fastest three runners in each category.

• 1 having the purpose of:

  • There's a sign there saying "boats for hire".

  • This pool is for the use of hotel guests only.

  • I'm sorry, the books are not for sale.

  • They've invited us for dinner on Saturday.

  • Everyone in the office is contributing money for his leaving present.

  • I need some money for tonight.

  • Which vitamins should you take for (= in order to cure) skin problems?

  • Put those clothes in a pile for washing (= so that they can be washed).

• 2 because of or as a result of something:

  • I'm feeling all the better for my holiday.

  • "How are you?" "Fine, and all the better for seeing you!"

  • She did 15 years in prison for murder.

  • I don't eat meat for various reasons.

  • I couldn't see for the tears in my eyes.

  • The things you do for love!

  • He's widely disliked in the company for his arrogance.

  • She couldn't talk for coughing (= she was coughing too much to talk).

  • Scotland is famous for its spectacular countryside.

  • He's best remembered for his novels.

  • I didn't say anything for fear of (= because I was frightened of) offending him.

  • If it wasn't for the life jacket, I would have drowned.

• 3 used to show an amount of time or distance:

  • We walked for miles.

  • She's out of the office for a few days next week.

  • I'm just going to lie down for an hour or so.

  • I haven't played tennis for years.

• 4 on the occasion of or at the time of:

  • What did you buy him for Christmas?

  • I'd like an appointment with the doctor for some time this week.

  • We're having a party for Jim's 60th birthday.

  • I've booked a table at the restaurant for nine o'clock.

• 5 used for comparing one thing with others of the same type:

  • She's very mature for her age.

  • For every two people in favour of the law there are three against.

  • The winter has been unusually cold for Florida.

  • It was a difficult decision, especially for a child.

  • For a man of his wealth he's not exactly generous.

• 6 used to say whose responsibility something is:

  • She knew the driver of the other car was not responsible for her son's death.

• 7 in support of or in agreement with:

  • I voted for the Greens at the last election.

  • Those voting for the motion, 96, and those voting against, 54.

  • Most of the Republicans voted for the measure.

  • So let's hear some applause for these talented young performers.

  • Who's for (= who wants to play) tennis?

  • I've got nothing against change - I'm all for it.

  • I'm all for gender equality, but I think the most qualified person should get the job.

• 8 in order to help someone:

  • Let me carry those bags for you.

  • Hello, what can I do for you?

  • My sister will take care of the dog for us while we're away.

• 9 in relation to someone or something:

  • Her feelings for him had changed.

  • He felt nothing but contempt for her.

  • I've got a lot of admiration for people who do that sort of work.

  • He's quite good-looking but he's too short for me.

  • The ice-cream was a little bit sweet for me.

  • That jacket looks a little big for you.

  • Jackie's already left and, as for me, I'm going at the end of the month.

  • Luckily for me (= I was lucky), I already had another job.

  • How are you doing for money/time (= do you have enough money/time)?

  • For all her qualifications, she's still useless at the job.

• 10 (getting) in exchange:

  • How much did you pay for your glasses?

  • I've sponsored her £1 for every mile that she runs.

  • She sold the house for a lot of money.

  • The mechanic said he'd repair my car for £300.

• 11 being employed by or representing a company, country, etc.:

  • She works for a charity.

  • He swam for the United States in the 2000 Olympics.

• 12 towards; in the direction of:

  • They looked as if they were heading for the train station.

  • Just follow signs for the museum.

  • This time tomorrow we'll be setting off for the States.

  • It says this train is for (= going to stop at) Birmingham and Coventry only.

• 13 showing meaning:

  • What's the Spanish word for "vegetarian"?

  • What does the "M.J." stand for? Maria José?

• 14 in order to get or achieve:

  • I hate waiting for public transport.

  • I had to run for the bus.

  • Did you send off for details of the competition?

  • I've applied for a job with another computer company.

• 15 the duty or responsibility of:

  • As to whether you should marry him - that's for you to decide.

  • It's not for me to tell her what she should do with her life.

  • "How many people should I invite to the party?" "It's not really for me to say."

• 16 in trouble:

  • You'll be for it when she finds out!

• 17 because; as:

  • She remained silent, for her heart was heavy and her spirits low.

• 18 intended to be given to:

  • There’s a phone message for you on your desk.

  • There will be a prize for the best costume at the party.

• 19 having the purpose of:

  • What do you imagine he uses this old thing for?

  • Why don’t you take an aspirin for your headache (= to stop it)?

• 20 because of; as a result of (doing something):

  • She was stopped for speeding.

  • The things we do for love!

  • For some reason, she isn’t interested in going out at all tonight.

  • Certain Chicago restaurants are famous for their deep-dish pizza.

• 21 instead of; to help:

  • Let me carry those groceries to the car for you.

• 22 showing amount of time or distance:

  • We drove for miles.

  • She’s out of town for a few days on business.

• 23 on the occasion of or at the time of:

  • What are you getting Mom and Dad for their anniversary?

  • We’re planning a party for Stephen’s birthday.

  • The neighbors invited us for dinner (= to eat with them).

  • What’s for lunch (= what will we eat)?

• 24 considering (something or someone with reference to things or people as they usually are):

  • This winter has been mild for Canada.

  • I think Kristy is very mature for her age.

• 25 in support of or agreement with:

  • I voted for her in the last election.

  • We thought about moving, and I was all for it, but my wife didn’t want to.

• 26 in relation to (someone or something):

  • Her feelings for him were obvious.

  • That jacket is a bit big for you.

• 27 (getting) in exchange:

  • If I take the car in, it’ll be $45 for a tuneup.

• 28 representing (an organization or country):

  • Michael works for a Washington-based foundation.

  • She carried the flag for the US at the opening ceremonies.

• 29 toward; in the direction of:

  • Just follow signs for the airport once you’re on the highway.

• 30 meaning; representing:

  • What’s another word for "happy"?

• 31 in order to get or have:

  • I had to wait half an hour for the bus.

  • Call the phone number below for more information.

• 32 the duty or responsibility of:

  • It’s not for her to say whether I should cut my hair.

• 33 because; as:

  • She told the truth, for she had nothing to lose.