for

preposition, conjunction

strongUK /fɔː(r)/

weakUK /fə(r)/

For can be used in the following ways:

as a preposition (followed by a noun): I bought some flowers for Chloe.Wait there for a while.

as a conjunction (connecting two clauses): I told her to leave, for I was very tired.

1
intended to help or benefit someone/something
1. 1a
  used for saying who or what is intended to receive something or get the benefit of it
  I’ve brought a cup of tea for you.
  Claudia, this present is for you.
  So, what can I do for you?
  The academy provides training for young musicians.
  They’ll have to buy furniture for the new house.
2. 1b
  used for saying that someone does something so that someone else does not have to do it
  Betty will take care of things for us while we’re away.
3. 1c
  in order to protect someone or something
  We are here today to honour those who died for their country.
2
used for stating the purpose of an object or action
We use the basement for storage.
The red button is for turning the machine off.
3
used for saying a length of time or a distance
1. 3a
  used for saying how long something lasts or continues
  There have been drought conditions for the last two summers.
  I’ve been waiting for 20 minutes.
  for a while:
  We haven’t seen Kim for a while.
  Synonyms and related words
  During a particular period of time
  during
  within
  throughout
2. 3b
  used for saying how far something reaches, or how far someone goes
  The desert stretched for hundreds of miles in all directions.
  They must have walked for at least three miles.
4
used for saying the particular time or date that something is planned to happen
The meeting was planned for 10 o’clock.
The release of her new album is scheduled for next August.
Synonyms and related words
Deadlines and time limits
deadline
timing
time limit
5
used for saying the person or organization that someone is employed by
She works for a firm of accountants.
6
used for saying how much money is paid
1. 6a
  used for saying the cost of a product or a service
  I sold my car for £900.
  How much do you want for those two lamps?
  They bought the entire business for around £15m.
  He says he won’t fix the bike for less than sixty pounds.
  Synonyms and related words
  Prices and costs
  price
  cost
  charge
2. 6b
  used for saying how much someone earns
  Some labourers were working for less than £3 a day.
7
used for saying who or what you support or prefer
1. 7a
  used for saying which person or thing someone supports or agrees with
  Everyone says they are for equal opportunities.
  Support for the government’s reform programme has been overwhelming.
  Eight members voted for the proposal and six against.
  all for (=supporting something completely):
  Of course, I’m all for (=I completely support) freedom of speech.
  Synonyms and related words
  Showing support for something or someone
  supportive
  sympathetic
  pro
2. 7b
  if you are for a particular plan or activity, you want to take part in it
  I’m for a picnic by the river.
  Anyone for tennis?
  Synonyms and related words
  Willing to do or accept something
  willing
  ready
  interested
8
relating to or concerning someone or something
Living conditions for most of the citizens are very bad.
an advertisement for private health insurance
Synonyms and related words
Concerning or about something
about
regarding
concerning
9
used for talking about reasons or causes
1. 9a
  as a result of something
  He was sick for lack of food.
  We’re all much better people for having known Carl.
  Synonyms and related words
  As a result of something and describing effects and results
  therefore
  consequently
  accordingly
2. 9b
  mainly literarybecause
  She began to grow nervous, for he had promised to meet her at dawn.
  Synonyms and related words
  Because and because of
  because
  due to
  whereas
3. 9c
  used after nouns such as ‘reason’ or ‘cause’
  Did he give any reason for arriving so late?
  The current inflation rate is a cause for concern.
10
used for showing that your feelings are directed towards a particular person or thing
I’m so happy for you!
I feel sorry for his wife.
It’s clear that she has great affection for her grandchildren.
I feel nothing but disgust for the whole process.
11
used for saying who you represent when you say or do something
I’m speaking for all of us when I say how sorry we are.
12
used for saying the place you are going to when you leave another place
What time are you leaving for home?
He got on the next plane for San Francisco.
13
used after some adjectives, nouns, and verbs for saying who or what does the action of the following verb
for someone/something to do something:
It was difficult for me to understand what he was saying.
All I want is for you to be happy.
It is time for Congress to begin exploring some new approaches.
14
in order to celebrate a holiday or special occasion
John gave me a tie for Christmas, as usual.
We haven’t decided what to do for her birthday.
15
used for saying what a particular amount of time, money, space etc makes possible
We haven’t got the money for a new car right now.
Come in – there’s room for two.
There just isn’t enough time for everyone to have a try.
16
used for saying who has a particular feeling or opinion about something
For me personally, it was a complete disaster.
The biggest concern for most Americans was the quality of public education.
17
used for saying that a particular fact about someone or something is surprising when you consider who or what they are
She sings amazingly well for a child.
It’s awfully expensive for a child’s toy.
18
used for saying what something means or represents
What’s the Italian word for ‘Goodbye’?
Red roses are for love.
19
informalused for saying which person a particular thing, activity, or person would be suitable for
I just know this girl will be the one for you.
Mountain climbing’s not for me – it looks too dangerous.

phrases

be for someone to do something

for all

for every/each

for the first/last etc time

for now

for one thing...(for another thing)

if it were not for

I for one...

(in) for it

not for anything

that’s/there’s...for you

for