for

Capitalised (For.) when it forms part of a proper name such as a degree title or government department. In general references it may appear lowercase (for.).

Often written in lowercase with periods (f.o.r.) or in capitals (F.O.R.). This term is historical and has largely been replaced by FCA (Free Carrier) in modern international shipping.

This sense appears only in a handful of surviving words (fordo, forspend) that are now considered literary or archaic. Modern learners will encounter these in historical texts or poetry rather than everyday speech.

The adjective forlorn is the most common survivor of this sense. It describes a person, animal, or place that looks sad and abandoned. Fordone (exhausted) is much rarer and primarily literary.

When showing the purpose of an object or tool, 'for' is followed by a verb in the -ing form (e.g. 'a brush for painting', not 'a brush for paint'). When showing the goal of an action, 'for' is followed by a noun phrase (e.g. 'save for a house', 'go for a walk').

Distinguish from sense 1 (INTENDED RECIPIENT): if you can replace 'for' with 'because of', it is this sense. Common after verbs of praising, blaming, apologising, and punishing.

This sense appears only in set phrases such as 'for want of' and 'for lack of'. It does not freely combine with other nouns. These phrases are more common in formal writing than in everyday conversation. Do not confuse with sense 3 (REASON) — 'for want of' means 'because something was absent', whereas sense 3 gives a positive reason.

Distinguish from 'since': 'for' measures the length of time (e.g. 'for two hours'), while 'since' marks the starting point (e.g. 'since two o'clock'). Do not use 'for' before phrases like 'all day' or 'the whole time' — these do not need a preposition.

This sense differs from sense 5 (TIME / DISTANCE): sense 5 measures duration ('for three hours'), whereas sense 6 marks a fixed point or occasion ('for three o'clock'). Sense 6 typically pairs with arrangement verbs such as 'plan', 'book', 'schedule', 'invite', and 'appoint'.

In this pattern, 'for' introduces the comparison group. The adjective before 'for' describes a judgement (good, bad, big, small, expensive, etc.). The sentence compares the subject to the whole category, not to individuals. Distinguish from sense 12 (REGARDING): sense 7 always involves a comparison with an expected standard, whereas sense 12 simply states a relationship.

This sense always follows the pattern 'it is for [someone] to [do something]'. The subject of the sentence is usually 'it'. Do not confuse with sense 19 (DUTY/RESPONSIBILITY) — sense 8 is about a specific decision or action being someone's to handle, while sense 19 expresses a general obligation or role.

Common in political and decision-making contexts. The most frequent verb pairings are 'vote for', 'be for', 'argue for', 'campaign for', 'speak for'. When the object is a person ('I am for you'), the meaning shifts to loyalty or support of that individual. Distinguish from sense 10 (STRONG SUPPORT), which marks enthusiastic or emphatic backing — sense 9 is neutral support.

This sense is distinguished from sense 9 (IN FAVOUR) by the presence of an intensifying word — 'all for', 'so for', 'very much for', 'entirely for'. Without the intensifier, the meaning reverts to neutral support. The pattern 'all for' is most common in informal speech. 'Very much for' and 'entirely for' are neutral to slightly formal.

This sense is very close to the INTENDED RECIPIENT sense (sense 1), but the emphasis here is on the action itself being helpful — not just that something is meant for someone. Typical verbs include 'carry', 'fetch', 'pick up', 'hold', 'explain', 'translate', 'open'. Distinguish from sense 2 (PURPOSE), where 'for' explains the goal of an action ('went to the shop for milk'), not the person being helped.

Distinguish from sense 7 (COMPARISON): sense 7 always involves a judgement against an expected standard ('good for a beginner'), whereas sense 12 states a general relationship without comparison. If you can replace 'for' with 'regarding' or 'concerning' without changing the meaning, then it is this sense. Common with adjectives like 'good', 'bad', 'important', 'necessary', 'useful', 'true'.

Frequently appears as part of the fixed phrase 'for all', which introduces the obstacle or contrasting fact. This sense is less common in everyday speech; 'despite' or 'in spite of' is more typical in casual conversation.

The thing given or paid comes before 'for', and the thing received comes after 'for'. Common verb patterns include 'pay ... for', 'trade ... for', 'exchange ... for', and 'sell ... for'.

Commonly used after verbs of movement (head, leave, set off, make, run). When 'for' follows a noun ('the train for Paris'), it identifies the destination, not a person travelling.

In questions about vocabulary, the structure is 'what is the [language] word for [concept]?' This is different from 'of' — 'the word for love' (the term used) versus 'the word of love' (a phrase meaning a message about love).

This sense takes a noun phrase after 'for', not a verb. Compare: 'I saved money for a holiday' (correct) versus 'I saved money for going on holiday' (unnatural — use a to-infinitive instead: 'to go on holiday').

Frequently used in the pattern 'it is for [someone] to [verb]' where the subject 'it' refers to a previous clause or situation. Compare with sense 8 (FOR responsibility), which is used in more general contexts like 'It's not for me to say'; this sense (19) more strongly emphasises formal or institutional duty.

Restricted to informal British English. The subject is always a person who has done or failed to do something. Never used in formal writing or American English. The related phrase 'in for something' (e.g., 'in for a surprise') is a different, broader expression.