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, food, sweet-7468718.jpg](https://englishfortheplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/blueberries-food-sweet-7468718-1024x659.jpg.webp)
- 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.
![giant tortoise, tortoise, reptile-6559920.jpg](https://englishfortheplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/giant-tortoise-tortoise-reptile-6559920-1024x682.jpg.webp)
- 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
![business man, clock, time-6719390.jpg](https://englishfortheplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/business-man-clock-time-6719390-1024x577.png.webp)
- 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.
![coins, banknotes, money-521523.jpg](https://englishfortheplanet.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/coins-banknotes-money-521523-768x1024.jpg.webp)
- 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?)