adverb

for free

fer FREE

For free (adverb) means Without any payment being required. Example: “The pub gave us the second round for free.”

adverb

informal Without any payment being required.

"The pub gave us the second round for free."

"You can download the first three chapters for free."

How to Use For free

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishWithout paying anything.

When to use it

Long objected to by traditionalists on the grounds that free is already an adverb, but it is now completely established in everyday English. Formal writing still prefers free of charge or at no cost.

Memory tip

After a verb you can simply say free — "the app works free" — but for free is what most speakers actually use.

Easily confused with

free → free of charge for nothing

Common pairings

get it for free work for free download for free give away for free

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Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The pub gave us the second round _____.

Synonyms

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free of charge gratis at no cost on the house for nothing

Related Words

unpaid gratis pro bono gratuitous

Rhymes for for free

ee see bee wee nee pee fee tee zee gee vee ree

See all rhymes for for free →

Frequently Asked Questions

Is "for free" grammatically correct?

Yes, in ordinary usage. Some style guides call it redundant because free already works as an adverb, and prefer "free" or "free of charge". No one will misunderstand you, but in formal documents the shorter forms are safer.

What is the difference between for free and free of charge?

They mean the same thing. For free is conversational; free of charge is the formal, businesslike version used in contracts, signage and customer correspondence.

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