For vs. Fore — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on April 6, 2024
"For" denotes purpose, benefit, or duration, indicating intention or time span. "Fore," on the other hand, is primarily used as a direction or position, meaning front or ahead, often found in nautical or golfing contexts.
Difference Between For and Fore
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Key Differences
"For" serves as a preposition indicating the reason behind an action, the recipient of an action, or the duration of time something lasts, showcasing a relationship between different elements. Meanwhile, "fore" functions as an adverb or adjective, referring to a location or direction towards the front, highlighting spatial positioning rather than purpose or time.
In usage, "for" is versatile, applicable in various contexts such as expressing the motive ("for a cause"), duration ("for years"), or benefit ("for your own good"). "Fore," however, is more specialized, commonly used in phrases like "fore and aft" (nautical) or as a warning in golf ("Fore!") to indicate something coming towards the front or ahead.
The distinction between "for" and "fore" also lies in their linguistic roles; "for" can introduce an infinitive verb, denoting intention or purpose (e.g., "to study for improving skills"), whereas "fore" does not have such a function and is mainly used for its directional or locational meaning.
"Fore" carries a more specific and less frequently encountered usage outside its standard contexts (like golf or nautical terms), making it more specialized compared to the broadly applicable "for." This specificity means "fore" is often associated with particular activities or fields.
Despite their different applications, both "for" and "fore" play crucial roles in English, whether it's to express purpose, time, and reason with "for," or to indicate direction and position with "fore." Understanding their distinct uses enriches clarity and precision in communication.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Preposition
Adverb, Adjective
Meaning
Indicates purpose, duration, recipient, or benefit.
Refers to a position or direction ahead.
Usage Context
General use in various contexts.
Specialized use, mainly in nautical terms and golf.
Example Use
"He works for charity." "Wait for an hour."
"Fore and aft." "Fore!" (in golf)
Linguistic Function
Can introduce an infinitive verb.
Indicates spatial positioning or direction.
Compare with Definitions
For
Signifying the duration of time.
They have lived here for decades.
Fore
Warning in golf to indicate an approaching ball.
Shouting Fore! to alert players.
For
Indicating the purpose or reason.
She studied hard for the exam.
Fore
Located at the front part of something.
The fore cabin is reserved for crew.
For
Denoting the recipient of something.
This gift is for you.
Fore
In front or ahead.
The captain stood fore, scanning the horizon.
For
Expressing a measure or distance.
He drove for miles.
Fore
Pertaining to the front part of a ship or aircraft.
The cargo was stored in the fore.
For
Specifying the function of something.
A spoon is for eating.
Fore
Preceding in time or order.
In days of yore, forefathers established traditions.
For
Used to indicate the object, aim, or purpose of an action or activity
Trained for the ministry.
Put the house up for sale.
Plans to run for senator.
Fore
Located at or toward the front; forward.
For
Used to indicate a destination
Headed off for town.
Fore
Earlier in order of occurrence; former.
For
Used to indicate the object of a desire, intention, or perception
Had a nose for news.
Eager for success.
Fore
Something that is located at or toward the front.
For
Used to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of an action
Prepared lunch for us.
Fore
The front part.
For
On behalf of
Spoke for all the members.
Fore
At, toward, or near the front; forward.
For
In favor of
Were they for or against the proposal?.
Fore
At an earlier time.
For
In place of
A substitute for eggs.
Fore
Before.
For
Used to indicate equivalence or equality
Paid ten dollars for a ticket.
Repeated the conversation word for word.
Fore
Used by a golfer to warn those ahead that a ball is headed in their direction.
For
Used to indicate correlation or correspondence
Took two steps back for every step forward.
Fore
(obsolete) Former; occurring earlier (in some order); previous.
The fore part of the day
For
Used to indicate amount, extent, or duration
A bill for five dollars.
Walked for miles.
Stood in line for an hour.
Fore
Forward; situated towards the front (of something).
For
Used to indicate a specific time
Had an appointment for two o'clock.
Fore
(golf) An exclamation yelled to inform players a ball is moving in their direction.
For
Used to indicate a number of attempts
Shot three for four from the foul line.
Fore
The front; the forward part of something; the foreground.
For
As being
Take for granted.
Mistook me for the librarian.
Fore
In the part that precedes or goes first; opposed to aft, after, back, behind, etc.
For
Used to indicate an actual or implied listing or choosing
For one thing, we can't afford it.
Fore
(obsolete) Formerly; previously; afore.
For
As a result of; because of
Jumped for joy.
Fore
(nautical) In or towards the bows of a ship.
For
Used to indicate appropriateness or suitability
It will be for the judge to decide.
Fore
Journey; way; method of proceeding.
For
Notwithstanding; despite
For all the problems, it was a valuable experience.
Fore
The front; hence, that which is in front; the future.
For
As regards; concerning
A stickler for neatness.
Fore
In the part that precedes or goes first; - opposed to aft, after, back, behind, etc.
For
Considering the nature or usual character of
Was spry for his advanced age.
Fore
Formerly; previously; afore.
The eyes, fore duteous, now converted are.
For
In honor of
Named for her grandmother.
Fore
In or towards the bows of a ship.
For
Because; since.
Fore
Advanced, as compared with something else; toward the front; being or coming first, in time, place, order, or importance; preceding; anterior; antecedent; earlier; forward; - opposed to back or behind; as, the fore part of a garment; the fore part of the day; the fore and of a wagon.
The free will of the subject is preserved, while it is directed by the fore purpose of the state.
I have . . . paidMore pious debts to heaven, than in allThe fore end of my time.
Sailed on smooth seas, by fore winds borne.
For
Because of this; for this reason.
Fore
Before; - sometimes written 'fore as if a contraction of afore or before.
For
Because, as, since.
I had to stay with my wicked stepmother, for I had nowhere else to go.
Fore
Front part of a vessel or aircraft;
He pointed the bow of the boat toward the finish line
For
Towards; in the direction of.
The astronauts headed for the moon.
Run for the hills!
He was headed for the door when he remembered.
Fore
Situated at or toward the bow of a vessel
For
Directed at; intended to belong to.
I have something for you.
Fore
Located anteriorly
For
In order to help, benefit, gratify, honor etc. (someone or something).
Everything I do, I do for you.
We're having a birthday party for Janet.
The mayor gave a speech for the charity gala.
Fore
Near or toward the bow of a ship or cockpit of a plane;
The captain went fore (or forward) to check the instruments
For
To be used or treated in a stated way, or with a stated purpose.
This is a new bell for my bicycle.
The cake is for Tom and Helen's anniversary.
These apples here are for eating. The rest are for throwing away.
For
Supporting, in favour of.
All those for the motion, raise your hands.
Who's for ice-cream?
I'm for going by train
For
Because of.
He wouldn't apologize; and just for that, she refused to help him.
She was the worse for drink.
I like her for lots of reasons.
For
Intended to cure, remove or counteract; in order to cure, remove or counteract.
This medicine is for your cough.
I need to spray my house for termites.
For
Over (a period of time).
I've lived here for three years.
They fought for days over a silly pencil.
For
Throughout or across (a distance in space).
I can see for miles.
For
Used to introduce a subject within a to-infinitive clause.
It is unreasonable for our boss to withhold our wages.
All I want is for you to be happy.
For
On behalf of.
I will stand in for him.
I speak for the Prime Minister.
For
In the role or capacity of; instead of; in place of.
I used a hay bale for a bed.
He's got a turnip for a brain.
For
In exchange for; in correspondence or equivalence with.
I got five hundred pounds for that old car!
He matched me blow for blow.
For
In order to obtain or acquire.
I am aiming for completion by the end of business Thursday.
He's going for his doctorate.
Do you want to go for coffee?
People all over Greece looked to Delphi for answers.
Can you go to the store for some eggs?
I'm saving up for a car.
Don't wait for an answer.
What did he ask you for?
For
By the standards of, usually with the implication that those standards are lower than one might otherwise expect; considering.
Fair for its day.
She's spry for an old lady.
He's very mature, for a two-year old.
For
To be, or as being.
Don't take me for a fool.
For
(usually in the phrase 'for all') Despite, in spite of.
For all his expensive education, he didn't seem very bright.
For
Indicating something desired or anticipated.
O for the wings of a dove.
Ah! for wings to soar
And now for a slap-up meal!
For
(in expressions such as 'for a start') Introducing the first item(s) in a potential sequence.
Go scuba diving? For one thing, I can't even swim.
For
In honor of; after.
He is named for his grandfather.
For
Due or facing (a certain outcome or fate).
He totally screwed up that project. Now he's surely for the sack.
For
Out of; used to indicate a fraction, a ratio
In term of base hits, Jones was three for four on the day
For
(cricket) Used as part of a score to indicate the number of wickets that have fallen.
At close of play, England were 305 for 3.
For
(obsolete) Indicating that in prevention of which, or through fear of which, anything is done.
For
Used in various more-or-less idiomatic ways to construe individual verbs, indicating various semantic relationships such as target, purpose, result, etc.; see also the entries for individual phrasal verbs, e.g. ask for, look for, stand for, etc.
To account for one's whereabouts
To care for a relative
To settle for second best
To allow for mistakes
For
(nonstandard) So (that), in order to
He took the swing shift for he could get more overtime.
For
In the most general sense, indicating that in consideration of, in view of, or with reference to, which anything is done or takes place.
For
Indicating the antecedent cause or occasion of an action; the motive or inducement accompanying and prompting to an act or state; the reason of anything; that on account of which a thing is or is done.
With fiery eyes sparkling for very wrath.
How to choose dogs for scent or speed.
Now, for so many glorious actions done,For peace at home, and for the public wealth,I mean to crown a bowl for Cæsar's health.
That which we, for our unworthiness, are afraid to crave, our prayer is, that God, for the worthiness of his Son, would, notwithstanding, vouchsafe to grant.
For
Indicating the remoter and indirect object of an act; the end or final cause with reference to which anything is, acts, serves, or is done.
The oak for nothing ill,The osier good for twigs, the poplar for the mill.
It was young counsel for the persons, and violent counsel for the matters.
Shall I think the worls was made for one,And men are born for kings, as beasts for men,Not for protection, but to be devoured?
For he writes not for money, nor for praise.
For
Indicating that in favor of which, or in promoting which, anything is, or is done; hence, in behalf of; in favor of; on the side of; - opposed to against.
We can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth.
It is for the general good of human society, and consequently of particular persons, to be true and just; and it is for men's health to be temperate.
Aristotle is for poetical justice.
For
Indicating that toward which the action of anything is directed, or the point toward which motion is made; ntending to go to.
We sailed from Peru for China and Japan.
For
Indicating that on place of or instead of which anything acts or serves, or that to which a substitute, an equivalent, a compensation, or the like, is offered or made; instead of, or place of.
And if any mischief follow, then thou shalt give life for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.
For
Indicating that in the character of or as being which anything is regarded or treated; to be, or as being.
We take a falling meteor for a star.
If a man can be fully assured of anything for a truth, without having examined, what is there that he may not embrace for tru ?
Most of our ingenious young men take up some cried-up English poet for their model.
But let her go for an ungrateful woman.
For
Indicating that instead of which something else controls in the performing of an action, or that in spite of which anything is done, occurs, or is; hence, equivalent to notwithstanding, in spite of; - generally followed by all, aught, anything, etc.
The writer will do what she please for all me.
God's desertion shall, for aught he knows, the next minute supervene.
For anything that legally appears to the contrary, it may be a contrivance to fright us.
For
Indicating the space or time through which an action or state extends; hence, during; in or through the space or time of.
For many miles aboutThere 's scarce a bush.
Since, hired for life, thy servile muse sing.
To guide the sun's bright chariot for a day.
For
Because; by reason that; for that; indicating, in Old English, the reason of anything.
And for of long that way had walkéd none,The vault was hid with plants and bushes hoar.
And Heaven defend your good souls, that you thinkI will your serious and great business scant,For she with me.
For
Since; because; introducing a reason of something before advanced, a cause, motive, explanation, justification, or the like, of an action related or a statement made. It is logically nearly equivalent to since, or because, but connects less closely, and is sometimes used as a very general introduction to something suggested by what has gone before.
Give thanks unto the Lord; for he is good; for his mercy endureth forever.
Heaven doth with us as we with torches do,Not light them for themselves; for if our virtuesDid not go forth of us, 't were all alikeAs if we had them not.
For
One who takes, or that which is said on, the affrimative side; that which is said in favor of some one or something; - the antithesis of against, and commonly used in connection with it.
Common Curiosities
Is "fore" commonly used in everyday English?
"Fore" is less common in everyday English, primarily used in specific contexts like golf or nautical terms.
What does "for" express in a sentence?
"For" expresses purpose, reason, duration, benefit, or the intended recipient of an action in a sentence.
How is "fore" used in golf?
In golf, "fore" is shouted as a warning when a ball is hit towards people, indicating they should be alert for an incoming ball.
What does "fore and aft" mean?
"Fore and aft" refers to the direction from the front (fore) to the back (aft) of a ship, indicating a linear alignment along its length.
Are there any phrases where "fore" is used outside of golf or nautical contexts?
While "fore" is mainly used in golf or nautical contexts, it can appear in older or literary texts to indicate precedence in time or order, but this usage is rare.
Can "for" indicate a function or suitability?
Yes, "for" can indicate the function or suitability of something, as in "This tool is for cutting."
Can "for" and "fore" be used interchangeably?
No, "for" and "fore" have different meanings and uses; "for" relates to purpose or duration, while "fore" indicates direction or position.
How does context affect the use of "for" and "fore"?
The context significantly affects their use; "for" is versatile and broadly used, while "fore" is restricted to specific, mainly technical, contexts.
How does "for" function grammatically?
Grammatically, "for" functions as a preposition, linking nouns, pronouns, or phrases to other words in a sentence to express relations of time, purpose, benefit, etc.
How does the meaning of "fore" differ in "forewarned" and "forecast"?
In both "forewarned" and "forecast," "fore" indicates an action taken or information given in advance, with "forewarned" focusing on prior warning and "forecast" on predicting future conditions.
What is a common mistake when using "for" and "fore"?
A common mistake is confusing "for" with "fore" due to their similar pronunciation, despite their different meanings and contexts.
What role does "for" play in expressing causality?
"For" can express causality by indicating the reason behind an action, condition, or event.
Can "fore" denote something in the future?
Indirectly, "fore" can imply something in the immediate future by indicating direction or position ahead, especially as a warning.
Does "for" have any synonyms?
Yes, depending on context, synonyms for "for" include "because of," "on behalf of," and "in favor of."
Is "fore" related to "before"?
Yes, "fore" is related to "before," with "fore" denoting precedence or position at the front and "before" indicating time or order precedence.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
