for
for — abbreviation
1. a written abbreviation for the word 'foreign', used in course names, government
a written abbreviation for the word 'foreign', used in course names, government department titles, and other formal contexts.
The university catalogue lists several for. lang. courses for first‑year students.
abbreviation: for. lang. = foreign language
Yan joined the ministry of for. affairs after completing a degree in international relations.
abbreviation: for. affairs = foreign affairs
Students in the for. service programme must study at least two languages.
Christopher transferred to the for. desk at the embassy last spring.
Élise enrolled in a for. lang. programme to prepare for her overseas posting.
用法筆記
Always written with a period after 'for' in formal writing. The abbreviation appears most often in academic course catalogues and government department names.
常見錯誤
2. a written abbreviation for the word 'forestry', used in academic degree titles,
a written abbreviation for the word 'forestry', used in academic degree titles, government department names, and professional contexts.
Reuben earned a B.Sc. in For. and now works for the national park service.
abbreviation: B.Sc. in For. = Bachelor of Science in Forestry
The Dept. of For. published a report on sustainable timber harvesting.
abbreviation: Dept. of For. = Department of Forestry
Meera took a summer job with the For. Service mapping old‑growth forests.
Students in the For. programme spend a semester studying wildfire prevention.
The For. Research Institute studies how climate change affects tree growth.
用法筆記
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.).
3. a written shipping abbreviation indicating that the seller pays for delivery of
a written shipping abbreviation indicating that the seller pays for delivery of the goods to a named railway station, after which the buyer assumes all further transport costs and risks.
The contract states f.o.r. delivery to the main railway depot in Taichung.
abbreviation: f.o.r. = free on rail, a shipping term
Gabriel negotiated f.o.r. terms so the supplier would cover rail transport.
The buyer prefers f.o.r. pricing to avoid paying for long‑distance shipping.
Under f.o.r. conditions, the seller must load the goods onto the train.
Haruto checked whether the invoice used f.o.r. or free‑on‑board terms.
用法筆記
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.
for — conjunction
1. used before a clause that gives the reason for the statement just made; a more f
used before a clause that gives the reason for the statement just made; a more formal way of saying 'because'
Gabriel decided to stay home, for he had a terrible headache.
for + clause giving the reason for the main statement
The meeting was cancelled at the last minute, for the speaker had fallen ill.
passive main clause followed by for-clause as explanation
Meera chose not to argue, for she knew it would only make things worse.
The garden was silent at noon, for the summer heat drove everyone indoors.
Nala remembered the address well, for she had visited the old house many times.
文法句型
for + clause
用法筆記
This conjunction is mainly used in formal or literary writing. Unlike 'because', 'for' cannot begin a sentence and always follows the main clause. A comma is typically placed before it.
常見錯誤
for — prefix
1. a prefix from Old English that, when added to a verb, gives the meaning of stopp
a prefix from Old English that, when added to a verb, gives the meaning of stopping an action, choosing not to do something, leaving someone behind, or holding back from a natural response — for example, forbidding an activity, forgoing a pleasure, or forsaking a home.
The school rules forbid students from using phones during lessons.
for- meaning prohibition: forbid + object + from + gerund
Meera decided to forgo dessert in order to save money for her trip.
for- meaning omission: forgo + noun phrase
Gabriel could not forsake his sick grandmother, so he stayed home.
Rania chose to forbear from criticising her friend's poor decision.
The witness refused to forswear her earlier statement in court.
- pro-
adds the meaning of supporting or being in favour of something
文法句型
for- + verb (forbid, forgo, forsake, forbear)
for- + adjective (forlorn)
用法筆記
No longer productive in modern English. Learners should memorise individual words (forbid, forgo, forsake, forbear, forswear) as fixed vocabulary items rather than trying to form new for- words.
常見錯誤
2. a prefix from Old English attached to verbs, adding the meaning that something i
a prefix from Old English attached to verbs, adding the meaning that something is harmed, damaged, or destroyed by the action — for example, crops destroyed by storms, or a person worn down by hard labour.
The relentless drought had fordone the farmers' hopes of a harvest.
for- meaning destructive harm: fordone as past participle
Years of carrying heavy loads had forspent the old mule completely.
A long illness had forspent Reuben and left him pale and thin.
The icy winter fordid the tender young plants in the garden.
Sirin's years of working in the coal mines had fordone her lungs.
文法句型
for- + verb (fordo, forspend)
用法筆記
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.
3. a prefix that adds a sense of doing something fully, too much, or until nothing
a prefix that adds a sense of doing something fully, too much, or until nothing is left — for example, being completely worn out after hard work, or appearing utterly sad and abandoned.
After running ten miles, Christopher felt completely fordone and collapsed.
for- meaning to exhaustion: fordone as adjective of total fatigue
The abandoned puppy gave a forlorn cry from the empty parking lot.
for- meaning completely: forlorn describing utter abandonment
Nala sat forlorn on the bench after her best friend moved away.
Haruto looked forlorn when he realised his wallet had been stolen.
The old house stood forlorn and empty after the family left.
文法句型
for- + verb (fordone meaning exhausted)
for- + adjective (forlorn meaning completely lost)
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
for — preposition
1. used to say that a gift, letter, piece of information, or other thing is meant t
used to say that a gift, letter, piece of information, or other thing is meant to reach a particular person or place.
Gabriel left a note for the postman on the front door.
for + noun phrase (person receiving)
There is a package for Meera at the reception desk.
This bunch of flowers is for the teacher who helped us.
Yan wrote a thank-you letter for his grandmother.
- intended for
more formal, used in written notices and labels
- addressed to
specific to letters, emails, and formal messages
- from
marks the sender rather than the receiver
文法句型
for + noun phrase (recipient)
用法筆記
null
常見錯誤
2. used to say what the reason or goal of an action or the function of an object is
used to say what the reason or goal of an action or the function of an object is.
Andrés bought a special brush for cleaning the windows.
for + verb-ing showing function
Meera went to the market for some fresh vegetables.
This small tool is used for opening bottles.
Nala saved money for a trip to Japan next summer.
Haruto put on his running shoes for the morning jog.
- in order to
more formal, used with verbs instead of nouns
- so as to
more formal, used before verbs
文法句型
for + noun phrase (purpose)
for + verb-ing
用法筆記
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').
常見錯誤
3. used to explain why something happens or why someone does something.
used to explain why something happens or why someone does something.
The shop was closed for the national holiday.
for + noun phrase (cause)
Reuben received a prize for winning the science competition.
for + verb-ing (reason for reward)
Élise apologised for arriving late to the meeting.
The children jumped for joy when they heard the news.
Sirin was praised for her careful work on the project.
- because of
more explicit; can begin a sentence where 'for' cannot
- due to
more formal, used in writing
- owing to
formal, common in official statements
文法句型
for + noun phrase (reason)
for + verb-ing
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
4. used in fixed phrases to say that something does not exist when it is needed — f
used in fixed phrases to say that something does not exist when it is needed — for example, failing 'for want of' support means failing because the support was absent.
The proposal failed for want of support from the board.
fixed phrase: for want of
For lack of time, Rania had to skip the last question.
fixed phrase: for lack of
The old building was torn down for want of proper repairs.
The team lost the match for want of a good goalkeeper.
- without
simpler and more common; 'for want of' is more formal
- in the absence of
very formal, used in legal and academic writing
文法句型
for + noun phrase + of (in fixed phrases)
for want of
for lack of
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
5. used to show how long something lasts or how far something extends.
used to show how long something lasts or how far something extends.
Christopher stayed in Chicago for two weeks last summer.
for + period of time
The walking trail goes straight for five miles.
for + distance
Sirin has lived in this small town for ten years.
Rania ran for forty minutes every morning before work.
The desert stretched for miles in every direction.
文法句型
for + period of time
for + distance
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
6. used to say when an event, appointment, or planned activity is set to take place
used to say when an event, appointment, or planned activity is set to take place.
The meeting is scheduled for three in the afternoon.
be scheduled for + time
Ryan invited the neighbours for dinner on Saturday.
invite for + meal/occasion
Nala has an appointment for Monday morning at the clinic.
Haruto booked a table for seven in the evening.
The wedding was planned for late spring in the garden.
- scheduled for
more explicit; 'the meeting is scheduled for' emphasises the arrangement
- planned for
stresses that the timing was decided in advance
文法句型
for + day/time (scheduled)
用法筆記
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'.
常見錯誤
7. used when judging a person or thing against what is normal or expected for other
used when judging a person or thing against what is normal or expected for others in the same group — for example, saying a child reads well for her age, or a salary is generous for that industry.
For a beginner, Gabriel plays the piano remarkably well.
for + noun phrase (reference point for judgement)
The flat is quite spacious for a one-bedroom apartment in Taipei.
For someone who never studied art, Nala paints very skillfully.
Yan is quite tall for a twelve-year-old boy in his class.
- considering
more explicit; 'considering her age' vs 'for her age' — similar meaning but 'considering' is a conjunction or preposition
- compared to
more direct; used when explicitly comparing two items rather than measuring against an expected standard
文法句型
for + noun phrase (reference point)
adjective + for + noun phrase
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
8. used to indicate that a decision, choice, or action belongs to a particular pers
used to indicate that a decision, choice, or action belongs to a particular person and no one else — for example, saying it is for the captain to pick the team.
It is for the manager to decide who gets the promotion.
it is for + noun + to-infinitive (responsibility)
Reuben told the children it was for them to tidy their own room.
The choice of music is for the bride and groom to make together.
Sirin said it was for the committee to vote on the proposal first.
文法句型
it is for + noun + to-infinitive
for + noun + to decide/choose/say
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
9. showing that a person agrees with a plan, supports an idea, or is on the side of
showing that a person agrees with a plan, supports an idea, or is on the side of a particular person or group.
Meera said she was for the idea of a four-day work week.
be for + noun phrase (agreement)
Over sixty percent of voters were for the new education policy.
Haruto argued for building a bike lane along the main road.
The whole neighbourhood campaigned for a safer crossing near the school.
- in favour of
more formal; used in official documents and voting contexts
- pro-
prefix used as an adjective (pro-democracy, pro-choice); more political
- supporting
more transparent; works as a verb form rather than preposition
- against
direct opposite; 'against the plan'
文法句型
be for + noun phrase (support)
vote for + noun phrase
argue for + noun phrase
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
10. used with intensifiers such as 'all', 'very much', or 'so' before 'for' to show
used with intensifiers such as 'all', 'very much', or 'so' before 'for' to show that someone approves of or supports something enthusiastically and without hesitation.
Andrés is all for the plan to reduce plastic waste in the office.
be all for + noun phrase (emphatic support)
The students are very much for holding classes outdoors in spring.
Élise was entirely for her daughter's choice to study marine biology.
Ryan said the whole team was so for the new training schedule.
- in full support of
more formal; used in official statements or writing
- wholeheartedly behind
emphasises emotional commitment; 'we are wholeheartedly behind the proposal'
- dead against
the opposite emphatic position; 'I am dead against the idea'
文法句型
be all for + noun phrase/gerund
be very much for + noun phrase
be entirely for + noun phrase
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
❌ 'She is all for the project but she has doubts.' — contradicts 'all for' which means full support. Use 'broadly in favour' if there are reservations.
11. showing that an action is done to give help, assistance, or benefit to a particu
showing that an action is done to give help, assistance, or benefit to a particular person — for example, carrying groceries for an elderly neighbour or translating a letter for a colleague.
Haruto carried the heavy shopping bags for his elderly neighbour.
verb + for + noun (doing on behalf of)
Reuben stayed after class to explain the maths problem for Meera.
Nala picked up medicine from the pharmacy for Andrés while he was ill.
Could you hold the door open for the woman pushing the pram?
- on behalf of
more formal; used when representing someone or acting in their place
- for the sake of
emphasises effort or sacrifice made to help; slightly formal
文法句型
do something for + noun (beneficiary)
verb + for + noun (on behalf of)
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
12. used to say that a statement, situation, quality, or fact relates to a particula
used to say that a statement, situation, quality, or fact relates to a particular person, group, or thing — for example, saying a new law is good news for drivers, or that honesty matters for everyone.
The new tax rules are bad news for small business owners.
adjective + for + noun (relation)
What is true for adult learners is also true for children.
Rania said the scholarship was a wonderful opportunity for her cousin.
Life is much simpler for people who live close to their workplace.
- regarding
more formal; used in business and academic writing
- with respect to
formal; used in official or legal contexts
- concerning
slightly formal; common in written notices and announcements
文法句型
adjective + for + noun phrase
true for + noun phrase
important for + noun phrase
用法筆記
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'.
常見錯誤
13. used to show that something happens or is true even though a fact or situation w
used to show that something happens or is true even though a fact or situation would normally prevent it — for example, changing your plans for the bad weather, or succeeding for the difficulties you faced.
For all the rain, the children played outside through the afternoon.
pattern: for all + noun phrase = despite
Gabriel did not get the promotion, for all the extra hours he had worked.
for all after the main clause
Meera stayed calm during the crisis, for all the shouting and confusion around her.
Andrés finished the race, for all the pain from his injured ankle.
Élise chose to study science, for all her parents' objections to her plan.
- despite
more common in everyday English; does not require 'all'
- in spite of
slightly more formal than 'despite', used in both writing and speech
- notwithstanding
very formal, mainly used in legal or academic writing
文法句型
for all + noun phrase
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
14. used to show what you give or pay in order to receive something in return — such
used to show what you give or pay in order to receive something in return — such as money given for a product, time given for a service, or one item traded for another.
Sirin paid fifty dollars for the second-hand bicycle at the market.
pattern: pay + amount + for + item
Ryan traded his old guitar for a set of new drums.
verb trade + for + item received
Rania gave the shop owner her watch in exchange for a new phone.
Reuben offered to do extra work for a share of the profits.
The family cooked meals for the neighbours in return for help with the garden.
文法句型
give/pay/trade/exchange + noun + for + noun
用法筆記
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'.
常見錯誤
15. used to say that someone is employed by a person, company, or organisation, or t
used to say that someone is employed by a person, company, or organisation, or that they act on behalf of a particular group, country, or institution.
Nala works for a large technology company in Taipei.
pattern: work for + company
Yan spoke for the whole team at the meeting yesterday.
pattern: speak for + group
Christopher is the lawyer for the family business in Tokyo.
Haruto played for the national football team in the World Cup.
The ambassador signed the agreement for her country at the United Nations.
- on behalf of
more formal; used mostly for official representation, not general employment
- employed by
specifically for paid work situations, not for representing a group
文法句型
work for + organisation
speak for + group
play for + team
常見錯誤
16. indicating that someone or something is moving towards a specific destination, p
indicating that someone or something is moving towards a specific destination, person, or object — commonly paired with verbs like 'head', 'leave', 'make', or 'set off'.
The tourists headed for the beach as soon as the sun came out.
pattern: head for + destination
The train for Paris leaves from platform number three.
pattern: noun + for + destination = destined for
The postman set off for the houses on the hill before lunch.
The children ran for the bus when they saw it arrive at the stop.
The doctor left the hospital and made for her car in the car park.
文法句型
verb + for + destination
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
17. used to connect a word, symbol, letter, or action with the thing it represents o
used to connect a word, symbol, letter, or action with the thing it represents or the idea it expresses — for example, the English word for a piece of furniture, or a red light for danger.
What is the Japanese word for 'thank you'?
pattern: word for + concept
The symbol '&' is the sign for the word 'and' in English.
On the map, the dotted line is for the old footpath through the forest.
A red label on the package is for dangerous materials inside.
The chef explained that 'sauté' is the French term for quick frying in oil.
- meaning
used as a noun rather than a preposition; 'what is the meaning of X?'
- representing
more common for symbols and signs than for vocabulary items
文法句型
word for + concept
symbol for + meaning
用法筆記
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).
常見錯誤
18. used to show the purpose of an action — what someone hopes to get, achieve, or o
used to show the purpose of an action — what someone hopes to get, achieve, or obtain by doing something, such as searching for food, asking for help, or saving for a holiday.
The children searched the forest for dry wood to start a fire.
pattern: search + for + desired thing
The two companies are competing for the same group of customers.
The students are asking for more time to finish the exam.
The family is saving money for a new car next year.
The elderly man waited all morning for a letter from his daughter.
- to get
more casual; often used in speech instead of 'for' with a noun: 'I came to get help'
- in search of
more formal; used mainly in writing
文法句型
verb + for + desired thing
ask for + noun
look for + noun
compete for + noun
用法筆記
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').
常見錯誤
19. indicating which person has the right, duty, or authority to take a particular a
indicating which person has the right, duty, or authority to take a particular action — for example, saying it is for a manager to approve a budget, or for a parent to decide a child's bedtime.
It is not for Gabriel to override the committee's decision on his own.
be for [someone] to [verb] — expressing duty or authority
Choosing the restaurant is for Nala, since she is hosting the dinner party.
It is for the school nurse to decide whether a sick child should go home.
Yan insisted that the final call on the budget was for the director alone.
It is for Meera to announce the winner, as she organised the competition.
文法句型
be for [someone] to [do]
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
20. going to be punished or get into serious trouble — used mainly in British inform
going to be punished or get into serious trouble — used mainly in British informal expressions like 'be for it' or 'be in for it', when someone has done something wrong and will face the consequences.
Reuben knew he was for it when the garage door would not close at all.
'be for it' — informal British phrase meaning will be punished
The gardener warned that anyone who broke a tool would be in for it.
'be in for it' — alternative form of the phrase
When the receipts did not add up, Ryan realised he was for it.
If the head chef finds out you burned the sauce, you will be for it.
Élise was in for it after she accidentally deleted the project files.
- in trouble
neutral register, not restricted to British English
- in hot water
informal but used across varieties of English
文法句型
be for it
be in for it
用法筆記
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.