For

Definition

The word 'for' is a preposition that indicates purpose, reason, or duration in a sentence. It connects ideas and clarifies relationships between actions and their intentions, making it essential for expressing thoughts clearly and concisely. Additionally, it can function in compound sentences when paired with coordinating conjunctions to link clauses, showing how one action relates to another.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. 'For' can show purpose when used in phrases like 'I study for success,' indicating the intention behind an action.
2. When 'for' is part of a compound sentence, it helps clarify how two independent clauses are related to each other.
3. 'For' can also indicate duration, as in 'I will be away for two weeks,' specifying the time frame of an action.
4. In informal speech and writing, 'for' can introduce explanations or reasons, making sentences more fluid and connected.
5. 'For' is often confused with other prepositions like 'to' and 'with', but its specific function in a sentence helps establish clearer meanings.

Review Questions

• How does the use of 'for' as a preposition impact the clarity of purpose in a sentence?
  • 'For' serves as a crucial preposition that indicates the purpose behind an action, enhancing the clarity of the sentence. For example, saying 'She runs for exercise' explicitly communicates the reason she runs. This connection not only clarifies her intent but also strengthens the relationship between actions and their motivations.
• Discuss how 'for' interacts with coordinating conjunctions to create compound sentences.
  • 'For' can be used within compound sentences to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between two independent clauses. For instance, in the sentence 'I went to the store for I needed groceries,' 'for' links the need to go to the store with the reason behind it. This usage highlights how one action directly relates to another, providing deeper context within the compound structure.
• Evaluate the significance of 'for' in both written and spoken English when conveying complex ideas.
  • 'For' plays a significant role in both written and spoken English by helping convey complex ideas through concise expressions of purpose or reasoning. In written texts, it helps articulate connections between actions succinctly while maintaining clarity. In conversation, it allows speakers to explain motivations quickly without lengthy explanations. This efficiency not only enhances communication but also enriches the listener's understanding of intentions and relationships among ideas.

Related terms

Preposition: A word that links nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence, indicating relationships such as direction, location, or time.

Coordinating Conjunction: A conjunction that connects words, phrases, or clauses of equal importance; common examples include 'and', 'but', and 'or'.

Compound Sentence: A sentence that contains at least two independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, providing a more complex thought or idea.