Reading Theme:
For: Meaning, Usage, and Examples (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：for the purpose of (for)
for
/fɔːr/
prep.
It shows the reason or purpose of doing something. It answers the question "why?"
for the purpose of
➕
/fɔːr ðə ˈpɜːrpəs ʌv/
prep.
This meaning indicates the reason or goal behind an action, answering 'why.'
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'for' meaning 'before, for, because of.'
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'F' as 'For'—the first letter stands for 'Focus' on reason or recipient.
📖 Example
He goes to the library every day for quiet study time.
He goes to the library every day for quiet study time.
🔗 Collocations
for example – used to introduce an instance or illustration
for the sake of – out of consideration for or in order to achieve something
for good – permanently or finally
🔄 Synonyms
to (prep.) – indicates purpose or destination
in order to (phrase) – as a means of achieving something
for the purpose of (phrase) – with the intention or goal of
🚫 Antonyms
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'for' is a core functional preposition in English, frequently used in legal contracts to specify purpose or recipient, like in 'for consideration.'
Meaning 2：intended for someone (for)
for
/fɔːr/
prep.
It shows who receives something, benefits from it, or who it is intended for.
intended for someone
➕
/ɪnˈtɛndɪd fɔːr ˈsʌmwʌn/
prep.
This meaning indicates the person or thing that receives something or benefits from an action.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
This gift is for my mother's birthday.
This gift is for my mother's birthday.
🔗 Collocations
for sale – available to be bought
for free – without payment or cost
for you – intended or given to you
🔄 Synonyms
to (prep.) – indicating the recipient of something
intended for (phrase) – designed or meant for a particular person
on behalf of (phrase) – representing or acting for someone
Meaning 3：as a reason for gratitude (for)
for
/fɔːr/
prep.
It is used to give a reason, often in expressions of thanks or to explain feelings.
as a reason for gratitude
➕
/æz ə ˈriːzən fɔːr ˈɡrætɪtuːd/
prep.
This meaning introduces the cause or reason for an emotion, especially thanks or appreciation.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Thank you for your kind help with my project.
Thank you for your kind help with my project.
🔗 Collocations
sorry for – expressing apology or regret regarding something
famous for – well-known because of a particular quality or thing
grateful for – feeling thankful because of something received
🔄 Synonyms
because of (phrase) – as a result of
due to (phrase) – caused by or attributable to
on account of (phrase) – by reason of or because of
🚫 Antonyms
despite (prep.) – in spite of (contrary reason)
Wordbook
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