prep
for
faw
prep
1
Intended to benefit, belong to, or be given to someone or something.
"I bought this gift for my sister."
"This desk is for the new employee."
2
Because of, or as the reason for.
"She was praised for her honesty."
3
In support of, or in favor of.
"Most residents voted for the new park."
4
Covering a period of time or distance.
"We drove for three hours without stopping."
5
In exchange for.
"He traded his old bike for a new one."
conj
1
Because (a formal, somewhat literary way of introducing a reason).
"She stayed inside, for the rain had not let up."
How to Use For
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishOne of the most common words in English, used to show purpose, reason, support, exchange, or duration.
Common mistake
As a conjunction meaning "because," "for" sounds formal and literary — in everyday speech, just use "because."
Common pairings
for example
for now
good for you
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I bought this gift _____ my sister.
Etymology
From Old English for, going back to a Proto-Germanic root meaning "before" or "in front of" — related to German für and Dutch voor.