for
The preposition “for” is one of the most common prepositions in English. Here are some reasons to use it.
- for a reason
- for a benefit
- for a purpose
- for an amount of time
- for money
Use "for" when there is a benefit or someone receives something.
- I did this for you.
- These flowers are for you.
- My daughter made a cake for me.
- Who is this for?
- I need to get some gas for my car.
- What can I do for you?
- He married her for her money, not for love.
- Blueberries are good for you.
- I eat blueberries for my general health and well being.
for = a purpose or a reason
- I use a computer for work.
- I use a lawn mower for cutting the grass. (Notice the use of a gerund after “for.”)
- We use our cell phones for communicating with other people.
- People use credit cards for making purchases.
- What is this for? (What is the purpose of this thing?)
- A bicyclist wears a helmet for protection.
- Law are made for keeping people safe.
- A turtle relies on its shell for protection.
- Animals use various methods for hiding themselves or keeping themselves safe from predators.
for = an amount of time
- He’s been on a phone call for 30 minutes.
- Mina has lived here for two years.
- They exercised for an hour this morning.
- For how long did they have to wait?
- How long did they have to wait for? (Notice “for” may come at the end of a question
- The movie lasted for two hours.
- How long have you been waiting for?
- He’s been at lunch for an hour.
for = an amount of money
- How much did you pay for your ticket?
- How much is a room at that hotel going for?
- What are you willing to pay for a used car?
- Bananas are selling for 89 cents per pound.
- We paid 30 Euros for our train tickets.
- How much did they charge you for your stay at the hotel?
- How much did they charge you for?
- What is that going for? (How much is it?)
