Of vs. For — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 21, 2023
"Of" indicates origin or possession, while "For" implies purpose or reason. In some contexts, "Of" can suggest a cause or motive, for example, "died of hunger." However, "For" might express a function or use, like "a room for meetings."
Difference Between Of and For
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Of" primarily conveys a sense of belonging or possession, while "For" often signifies purpose, function, or intention. For instance, the "book of John" shows ownership, while "book for John" implies a gift or intended use.
"Of" can describe a point of reference or a particular detail, as in "north of the city." On the other hand, "For" can express a time duration, like "wait for an hour."
"Of" might hint at a component or part, such as "piece of cake." Conversely, "For" can denote in favor of or in support of something, like "voted for the proposal."
"Of" can be used to express a certain quantity, like "a glass of water." In contrast, "For" can indicate a beneficiary or receiver, such as "this is for you."
Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Indicates belonging or relation
Denotes purpose or intention
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Time Reference
N/A
Expresses duration
Parts and Quantities
Suggests components or amounts
N/A
Beneficiary/Support
N/A
Signifies beneficiary or support
Cause vs. Function
Can indicate a cause
Implies a function or use
Compare with Definitions
Of
Indicates relationship or belonging
The tales of the city.
For
Denotes duration or extent
Wait for two hours.
Of
Describes origin or source
The songs of my homeland.
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.
Of
Signifies a specific detail or point
To the east of the river.
For
Used to indicate a destination
Headed off for town.
Of
Suggests quantity or amount
A cup of tea.
For
Used to indicate the object of a desire, intention, or perception
Had a nose for news.
Eager for success.
Of
Expressing the relationship between a part and a whole.
For
Used to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of an action
Prepared lunch for us.
Of
Expressing the relationship between a scale or measure and a value
An increase of 5%
A height of 10 metres
For
On behalf of
Spoke for all the members.
Of
Indicating an association between two entities, typically one of belonging, in which the first is the head of the phrase and the second is something associated with it
A photograph of the bride
The son of a friend
The government of India
A former colleague of John's
For
In favor of
Were they for or against the proposal?.
Of
Expressing the relationship between a direction and a point of reference
North of Watford
For
In place of
A substitute for eggs.
Of
Expressing the relationship between a general category or type and the thing being specified which belongs to such a category
The idea of a just society
The population of interbreeding individuals
This type of book
The city of Prague
For
Used to indicate equivalence or equality
Paid ten dollars for a ticket.
Repeated the conversation word for word.
Of
Following a noun derived from or related to a verb.
For
Used to indicate correlation or correspondence
Took two steps back for every step forward.
Of
Where the head of the phrase is a predicative adjective
I am certain of that
It was kind of you to ask
For
Used to indicate amount, extent, or duration
A bill for five dollars.
Walked for miles.
Stood in line for an hour.
Of
Indicating the relationship between a verb and an indirect object.
For
Used to indicate a specific time
Had an appointment for two o'clock.
Of
Indicating the material or substance constituting something
Walls of stone
The house was built of bricks
For
Used to indicate a number of attempts
Shot three for four from the foul line.
Of
Expressing time in relation to the following hour
It would be just a quarter of three in New York
For
As being
Take for granted.
Mistook me for the librarian.
Of
Derived or coming from; originating at or from
Customs of the South.
For
Used to indicate an actual or implied listing or choosing
For one thing, we can't afford it.
Of
Caused by; resulting from
A death of tuberculosis.
For
As a result of; because of
Jumped for joy.
Of
Away from; at a distance from
A mile east of here.
For
Used to indicate appropriateness or suitability
It will be for the judge to decide.
Of
So as to be separated or relieved from
Robbed of one's dignity.
Cured of distemper.
For
Notwithstanding; despite
For all the problems, it was a valuable experience.
Of
From the total or group comprising
Give of one's time.
Two of my friends.
Most of the cases.
For
As regards; concerning
A stickler for neatness.
Of
Composed or made from
A dress of silk.
For
Considering the nature or usual character of
Was spry for his advanced age.
Of
Associated with or adhering to
People of your religion.
For
In honor of
Named for her grandmother.
Of
Belonging or connected to
The rungs of a ladder.
For
Because; since.
Of
Possessing; having
A person of honor.
For
Because of this; for this reason.
Of
On one's part
Very nice of you.
For
Because, as, since.
I had to stay with my wicked stepmother, for I had nowhere else to go.
Of
Containing or carrying
A basket of groceries.
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.
Of
Specified as; named or called
A depth of ten feet.
The Garden of Eden.
For
Directed at; intended to belong to.
I have something for you.
Of
Centering on; directed toward
A love of horses.
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.
Of
Produced by; issuing from
Products of the vine.
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.
Of
Characterized or identified by
A year of famine.
For
Supporting, in favour of.
All those for the motion, raise your hands.
Who's for ice-cream?
I'm for going by train
Of
With reference to; about
Think highly of her proposals.
Will speak of it later.
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.
Of
In respect to
Slow of speech.
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.
Of
Set aside for; taken up by
A day of rest.
For
Over (a period of time).
I've lived here for three years.
They fought for days over a silly pencil.
Of
Before; until
Five minutes of two.
For
Throughout or across (a distance in space).
I can see for miles.
Of
During or on a specified time
Of recent years.
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.
Of
By
Beloved of the family.
For
On behalf of.
I will stand in for him.
I speak for the Prime Minister.
Of
Used to indicate an appositive
That idiot of a driver.
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.
Of
(Archaic)On
"A plague of all cowards, I say" (Shakespeare).
For
In exchange for; in correspondence or equivalence with.
I got five hundred pounds for that old car!
He matched me blow for blow.
Of
Expressing distance or motion.
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?
Of
From (of distance, direction), "off".
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.
Of
Since, from (a given time, earlier state etc.).
For
To be, or as being.
Don't take me for a fool.
Of
From, away from (a position, number, distance etc.).
There are no shops within twenty miles of the cottage.
For
(usually in the phrase 'for all') Despite, in spite of.
For all his expensive education, he didn't seem very bright.
Of
Expressing separation.
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!
Of
Indicating removal, absence or separation, with the action indicated by a transitive verb and the quality or substance by a grammatical object.
Finally she was relieved of the burden of caring for her sick husband.
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.
Of
Indicating removal, absence or separation, with resulting state indicated by an adjective.
He seemed devoid of human feelings.
For
In honor of; after.
He is named for his grandfather.
Of
(obsolete) Indicating removal, absence or separation, construed with an intransitive verb.
For
Due or facing (a certain outcome or fate).
He totally screwed up that project. Now he's surely for the sack.
Of
Expressing origin.
For
Out of; used to indicate a fraction, a ratio
In term of base hits, Jones was three for four on the day
Of
Indicating an ancestral source or origin of descent.
The word is believed to be of Japanese origin.
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.
Of
Introducing an epithet that indicates a birthplace, residence, dominion, or other place associated with the individual.
Jesus of Nazareth (after hometown)
Anselm of Canterbury (after diocese)
Anselm of Aosta (after birthplace)
Anselm of Bec (after monastery)
Pedro II of Brazil (after dominion)
Mrs Miggins of Gasworks Road, Mudchester (after place of residence)
For
(obsolete) Indicating that in prevention of which, or through fear of which, anything is done.
Of
Indicating a (non-physical) source of action or emotion; introducing a cause, instigation; from, out of, as an expression of.
The invention was born of necessity.
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
Of
(following an intransitive verb) Indicates the source or cause of the verb.
It is said that she died of a broken heart.
For
(nonstandard) So (that), in order to
He took the swing shift for he could get more overtime.
Of
(following an adjective) Indicates the subject or cause of the adjective.
I am tired of all this nonsense.
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.
Of
Expressing agency.
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.
Of
(following a passive verb) Indicates the agent (for most verbs, now usually expressed with by).
I am not particularly enamoured of this idea.
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.
Of
Used to introduce the "subjective genitive"; following a noun to form the head of a postmodifying noun phrase (see also 'Possession' senses below).
The contract can be terminated at any time with the agreement of both parties.
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.
Of
(following an adjective) Used to indicate the agent of something described by the adjective.
It was very brave of you to speak out like that.
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.
Of
Expressing composition, substance.
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.
Of
(after a verb expressing construction, making etc.) Used to indicate the material or substance used.
Many 'corks' are now actually made of plastic.
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.
Of
(directly following a noun) Used to indicate the material of the just-mentioned object.
She wore a dress of silk.
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.
Of
Indicating the composition of a given collective or quantitative noun.
What a lot of nonsense!
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.
Of
Used to link a given class of things with a specific example of that class.
Welcome to the historic town of Harwich.
For
Indicating that in prevention of which, or through fear of which, anything is done.
We 'll have a bib, for spoiling of thy doublet.
As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.
For me, my stormy voyage at an end,I to the port of death securely tend.
Of
Links two nouns in near-apposition, with the first qualifying the second; "which is also".
I'm not driving this wreck of a car.
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.
Of
Introducing subject matter.
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.
Of
Links an intransitive verb, or a transitive verb and its subject (especially verbs to do with thinking, feeling, expressing etc.), with its subject-matter; concerning, with regard to.
I'm always thinking of you.
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.
Of
(following a noun (now chiefly nouns of knowledge, communication etc.)) Introduces its subject matter; about, concerning.
He told us the story of his journey to India.
For
Shows purpose or reason
I bought it for my mom.
Of
(following an adjective) Introduces its subject matter.
This behaviour is typical of teenagers.
For
Expresses beneficiary or receiver
This gift is for you.
Of
Having partitive effect.
For
Implies in favor of or support
I voted for the motion.
Of
(following a number or other quantitive word) Introduces the whole for which is indicated only the specified part or segment; "from among".
Most of these apples are rotten.
For
Indicates function or use
The room is used for meetings.
Of
(following a noun) Indicates a given part.
Of
Some, an amount of, one of.
On the whole, they seem to be of the decent sort.
Of
Links to a genitive noun or possessive pronoun, with partitive effect (though now often merged with possessive senses, below).
He is a friend of mine.
Of
Expressing possession.
Of
Belonging to, existing in, or taking place in a given location, place or time. Compare "origin" senses, above.
He was perhaps the most famous scientist of the twentieth century.
Of
Belonging to (a place) through having title, ownership or control over it.
The owner of the nightclub was arrested.
Of
Belonging to (someone or something) as something they possess or have as a characteristic; the "possessive genitive". (With abstract nouns, this intersects with the subjective genitive, above under "agency" senses.)
Keep the handle of the saucepan away from the flames.
Of
Forming the "objective genitive".
Of
Follows an agent noun, verbal noun or noun of action.
She had a profound distrust of the police.
Of
Expressing qualities or characteristics.
Of
Links an adjective with a noun or noun phrase to form a quasi-adverbial qualifier; in respect to, as regards.
My companion seemed affable and easy of manner.
Of
Indicates a quality or characteristic; "characterized by".
Pooh was said to be a bear of very little brain.
Of
Indicates quantity, age, price, etc.
We have been paying interest at a rate of 10%.
Of
Used to link singular indefinite nouns (preceded by the indefinite article) and attributive adjectives modified by certain common adverbs of degree.
It's not that big of a deal.
Of
Expressing a point in time.
Of
During the course of (a set period of time, day of the week etc.), now specifically with implied repetition or regularity.
Of an evening, we would often go for a stroll along the river.
Of
For (a given length of time).
I’ve not tekken her out of a goodly long while.
Of
(after a noun) Indicates duration of a state, activity etc.
After a delay of three hours, the plane finally took off.
Of
Denotes the number of minutes before the hour;Before (the hour); to.
What's the time? / Nearly a quarter of three.
Of
(usually in modal perfect constructions) have, chiefly in depictions of colloquial speech.
Of
In a general sense, from, or out from; proceeding from; belonging to; relating to; concerning; - used in a variety of applications; as:
Of
Denoting that from which anything proceeds; indicating origin, source, descent, and the like; as, he is of a race of kings; he is of noble blood.
That holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.
I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you.
Of
Denoting possession or ownership, or the relation of subject to attribute; as, the apartment of the consul: the power of the king; a man of courage; the gate of heaven.
Of
Denoting the material of which anything is composed, or that which it contains; as, a throne of gold; a sword of steel; a wreath of mist; a cup of water.
Of
Denoting part of an aggregate or whole; belonging to a number or quantity mentioned; out of; from amongst; as, of this little he had some to spare; some of the mines were unproductive; most of the company.
It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed.
It is a duty to communicate of those blessings we have received.
Of
Denoting that by which a person or thing is actuated or impelled; also, the source of a purpose or action; due to; as, they went of their own will; no body can move of itself; he did it of necessity.
For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts.
Of
Denoting reference to a thing; about; concerning; relating to; as, to boast of one's achievements; they talked of many things.
Knew you of this fair work?
Of
Denoting nearness or distance, either in space or time; from; as, within a league of the town; within an hour of the appointed time.
Of
Denoting identity or equivalence; - used with a name or appellation, and equivalent to the relation of apposition; as, the continent of America; the city of Rome; the Island of Cuba.
Of
Denoting the agent, or person by whom, or thing by which, anything is, or is done; by.
And told to her of [by] some.
He taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all.
[Jesus] being forty days tempted of the devil.
Of
Denoting relation to place or time; belonging to, or connected with; as, men of Athens; the people of the Middle Ages; in the days of Herod.
Of
Denoting passage from one state to another; from.
Of
During; in the course of.
Not be seen to wink of all the day.
My custom always of the afternoon.
Why, knows not Montague, that of itselfEngland is safe, if true within itself?
Of
Expresses components or parts
A slice of pie.
Common Curiosities
How is "For" used in "for the sake of"?
It implies a purpose or reason; doing something for a specific purpose.
When should I use "Of" in a sentence?
Use "Of" to indicate a relationship, origin, specific detail, component, or quantity.
Can "Of" and "For" be used interchangeably?
Generally, no. Each has distinct roles, though context can sometimes blur their distinctions.
What does "Of" imply in "book of poetry"?
It implies a type or category; the book contains poetry.
How is "For" primarily used in sentences?
"For" primarily denotes purpose, duration, beneficiary, support, or function.
What's the difference between "dream of" and "dream for"?
"Dream of" is about what you're dreaming, while "dream for" suggests a hope or wish for someone/something.
Can "Of" suggest cause or reason?
Yes, in contexts like "died of hunger."
Does "For" ever indicate favor or support?
Yes, like in "voted for the proposal."
Is "Of" used to show ownership?
Yes, like in "the pen of Sarah," indicating Sarah owns the pen.
Are "Of" and "For" prepositions?
Yes, both are commonly used prepositions in English.
Can "For" express time?
Yes, like "wait for an hour."
When is "Of" used in quantities?
Like in "bottle of water," indicating the amount.
How does "For" signify beneficiary?
In "bought it for my sister," the sister is the beneficiary.
How does "Of" express components?
In "made of gold," gold is the material component.
What does "For" imply in "tool for cutting"?
It signifies the function or use of the tool.
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Written 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.
