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.
- for. lang.
- for. affairs
- for. minister
- for. service
- for. desk
Usage Note
Always written with a period after 'for' in formal writing. The abbreviation appears most often in academic course catalogues and government department names.
Common Mistakes
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.
- B.Sc. For.
- Dept. of For.
- For. Service
- For. Research
- for. programme
Usage Note
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.
- f.o.r.
- F.O.R.
- f.o.r. delivery
- f.o.r. terms
- f.o.r. pricing
Usage Note
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.
for-clause explaining the reason for remembering
Grammar Patterns
for + clause
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
for- meaning abandonment: forsake + noun phrase
Rania chose to forbear from criticising her friend's poor decision.
The witness refused to forswear her earlier statement in court.
- forbid someone from doing something
- forgo something (a habit, a right, a pleasure)
- forsake someone or something (a person, a place, a belief)
- forbear from doing something
- forswear something (an activity, a claim, a statement)
- pro-
adds the meaning of supporting or being in favour of something
Grammar Patterns
for- + verb (forbid, forgo, forsake, forbear)
for- + adjective (forlorn)
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
for- as destructive: fordid (past tense of fordo) with natural force as subject
Sirin's years of working in the coal mines had fordone her lungs.
- fordone by something (hardship, weather, illness)
- forspent by labour or exertion
Grammar Patterns
for- + verb (fordo, forspend)
Usage Note
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.
- feel forlorn
- look forlorn
- a forlorn cry / expression / figure
- completely fordone
- fordone with exhaustion
Grammar Patterns
for- + verb (fordone meaning exhausted)
for- + adjective (forlorn meaning completely lost)
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
for + noun phrase showing intended recipient
Yan wrote a thank-you letter for his grandmother.
- a gift for
- a message for
- a letter for
- a note for
- something for
- 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
Grammar Patterns
for + noun phrase (recipient)
Usage Note
null
Common Mistakes
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.
passive: be used for + verb-ing
Nala saved money for a trip to Japan next summer.
for + noun phrase (goal)
Haruto put on his running shoes for the morning jog.
- used for
- for sale
- for rent
- go for
- save for
- in order to
more formal, used with verbs instead of nouns
- so as to
more formal, used before verbs
Grammar Patterns
for + noun phrase (purpose)
for + verb-ing
Usage Note
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').
Common Mistakes
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.
for + abstract noun (emotion as cause)
Sirin was praised for her careful work on the project.
- known for
- famous for
- apologise for
- punished for
- for joy
- for fear
- 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
Grammar Patterns
for + noun phrase (reason)
for + verb-ing
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
- for want of
- for lack of
- without
simpler and more common; 'for want of' is more formal
- in the absence of
very formal, used in legal and academic writing
Grammar Patterns
for + noun phrase + of (in fixed phrases)
for want of
for lack of
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
present perfect + for + duration
Rania ran for forty minutes every morning before work.
The desert stretched for miles in every direction.
- for hours
- for days
- for years
- for miles
- for a while
- for a long time
Grammar Patterns
for + period of time
for + distance
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
for + season (scheduled event)
- planned for
- scheduled for
- booked for
- invited for
- appointed for
- arranged for
- scheduled for
more explicit; 'the meeting is scheduled for' emphasises the arrangement
- planned for
stresses that the timing was decided in advance
Grammar Patterns
for + day/time (scheduled)
Usage Note
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'.
Common Mistakes
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.
for + noun phrase with relative clause
Yan is quite tall for a twelve-year-old boy in his class.
- good for
- big for
- tall for
- expensive for
- young for
- old for
- 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
Grammar Patterns
for + noun phrase (reference point)
adjective + for + noun phrase
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
for + noun + to-infinitive (decision belongs to)
Sirin said it was for the committee to vote on the proposal first.
- it is for
- for someone to decide
- for someone to choose
- for someone to say
- for someone to handle
Grammar Patterns
it is for + noun + to-infinitive
for + noun + to decide/choose/say
Usage Note
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 Mistakes
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.
argue for + noun phrase/gerund
The whole neighbourhood campaigned for a safer crossing near the school.
- vote for
- be for
- argue for
- campaign for
- speak for
- stand for
- 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'
Grammar Patterns
be for + noun phrase (support)
vote for + noun phrase
argue for + noun phrase
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
be entirely for + noun phrase
Ryan said the whole team was so for the new training schedule.
- all for
- very much for
- entirely for
- so for
- strongly for
- 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'
Grammar Patterns
be all for + noun phrase/gerund
be very much for + noun phrase
be entirely for + noun phrase
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
❌ '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.
verb + for + noun (doing something to help)
Could you hold the door open for the woman pushing the pram?
- do something for
- carry for
- fetch for
- pick up for
- hold for
- explain for
- translate for
- 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
Grammar Patterns
do something for + noun (beneficiary)
verb + for + noun (on behalf of)
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
noun phrase + for + noun (relevant to)
Life is much simpler for people who live close to their workplace.
- good for
- bad for
- important for
- true for
- necessary for
- useful for
- 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
Grammar Patterns
adjective + for + noun phrase
true for + noun phrase
important for + noun phrase
Usage Note
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'.
Common Mistakes
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.
- for all
- 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
Grammar Patterns
for all + noun phrase
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
- pay for
- trade for
- exchange for
- in return for
Grammar Patterns
give/pay/trade/exchange + noun + for + noun
Usage Note
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'.
Common Mistakes
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.
- work for
- speak for
- play for
- act for
- 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
Grammar Patterns
work for + organisation
speak for + group
play for + team
Common Mistakes
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.
- head for
- leave for
- set off for
- make for
- bound for
- train for
Grammar Patterns
verb + for + destination
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
- word for
- term for
- sign for
- symbol for
- 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
Grammar Patterns
word for + concept
symbol for + meaning
Usage Note
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).
Common Mistakes
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.
pattern: ask for + something desired
The family is saving money for a new car next year.
The elderly man waited all morning for a letter from his daughter.
- ask for
- look for
- search for
- wait for
- save for
- compete for
- apply for
- 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
Grammar Patterns
verb + for + desired thing
ask for + noun
look for + noun
compete for + noun
Usage Note
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').
Common Mistakes
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.
impersonal 'it is for' pattern
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.
- It is for...
- be for someone to decide
- be for someone to say
- be for someone to choose
Grammar Patterns
be for [someone] to [do]
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
- be for it
- be in for it
- know [someone] is for it
- in trouble
neutral register, not restricted to British English
- in hot water
informal but used across varieties of English
Grammar Patterns
be for it
be in for it
Usage Note
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.
Common Mistakes
be in for it
idiomSomeone is about to experience trouble or receive punishment.
If Mom sees this mess, we'll be in for it.
Tom knew he would be in for it after breaking the window.
for all
idiomUsed to say that something is true despite a particular fact.
For all his money, he is not happy.
For all her efforts, she still failed the test.
Used to say that something is a typical example of its kind, often with disappointment.
He forgot my birthday again. That's men for you.
The train left early. There's punctuality for you.
Word family
Synonym discussion
Sense: preposition/2
'For' as a marker of purpose (sense 2) overlaps partly with 'to', 'in order to', and 'so as to', but the grammar differs sharply. 'For' takes a noun or gerund ('for cleaning', 'for sale'), while 'to' takes an infinitive verb ('to clean'). 'For' answers the question 'what is the goal?' about objects, tools, or events ('a brush for painting'), whereas 'in order to' is more formal and typically heads a clause about intention ('she saved money in order to travel'). Among the other major sense clusters of 'for', the RECIPIENT sense (1) uses 'for' to show the target of a gift or message ('a letter for you'), the REASON sense (3) expresses cause ('fired for being late'), the TIME/DISTANCE sense (5) marks duration ('waited for an hour'), and the EXCHANGE sense (6) shows price or trade ('bought it for ten dollars'). Each cluster is so distinct that learners should treat them as separate vocabulary items rather than trying to find a single unifying meaning.
Common collocations
Nouns
- for example
- for instance
- for sale
- for rent
- for good
- for sure
- for real
- for free
- for a living
- for life
- for the moment
- for the time being
- for a change
- for once
- for the record
- for the best
- for the most part
- for granted (take for granted)
Adverbs
- partly for
- mainly for
- specifically for
- only for
- just for
- exactly for
Phrases
- be for something (support)
- stand for
- go for
- for all I know
- for what it's worth
- for better or worse
- word for word
- for now
- for ever / forever
- for once
Prepositions
- for + noun phrase
- for + gerund
- for + someone
- for + amount of time/money
Etymology
The word 'for' comes from Old English 'for', which itself traces back to Proto-Germanic '*furi' (meaning 'before, for'). This Germanic root goes back to the Proto-Indo-European '*per-' (forward, through, before), which also gave rise to Latin 'per' (through) and 'pro' (for, on behalf of), Greek 'pro' (before), and Sanskrit 'pari' (around, about). The two main branches of meaning — 'in front of / in favour of' and 'in exchange / because of' — were already present in Old English. Many modern English words beginning with 'fore-' and 'for-' descend from the same ancient root.