For

¡Hola! Olá! Welcome to our friendly guide on using the preposition "for" in English, specifically designed for Spanish and Portuguese speakers. Prepositions can be tricky to learn, as they often do not have direct translations in other languages. This guide aims to help you understand the different uses of "for" in English and compare them to similar expressions in Spanish and Portuguese. We'll go through various examples to give you a better understanding. Let's get started!

I. The Preposition "For" in English

1.1. "For" for Duration

In English, "for" is used to express a duration or period of time. It is often followed by an expression of time, such as "two hours," "three days," "a week," etc.

Example: She has been studying English for five years.

1.2. "For" for Purpose or Intention

In English, "for" is also used to indicate the purpose or intention behind an action or event.

Example: I bought this gift for you.

1.3. "For" in Fixed Expressions

In English, "for" is used in some fixed expressions and idiomatic phrases.

Example: It's time for lunch.

II. Equivalent Expressions in Spanish and Portuguese

2.1. "For" for Duration

In both Spanish and Portuguese, "for" can be translated as "durante" or "por" when expressing a duration or period of time.

Examples:

English: I lived in Brazil for six months.

Spanish: Viví en Brasil durante seis meses. / Viví en Brasil por seis meses.

Portuguese: Morei no Brasil durante seis meses. / Morei no Brasil por seis meses.

2.2. "For" for Purpose or Intention

In Spanish, "para" is often used to indicate the purpose or intention behind an action or event. In Portuguese, "para" serves a similar purpose.

Examples:

English: This book is for children.

Spanish: Este libro es para niños.

Portuguese: Este livro é para crianças.

2.3. "For" in Fixed Expressions

There is no direct equivalent for "for" in fixed expressions in Spanish and Portuguese. In these cases, the translations will depend on the specific expression.

Example:

English: She is looking for a new job.

Spanish: Ella está buscando un nuevo trabajo.

Portuguese: Ela está procurando um novo emprego.

III. Examples and Comparisons

3.1. Duration

English: He has been waiting for 30 minutes.

Spanish: Ha estado esperando durante 30 minutos. / Ha estado esperando por 30 minutos.

Portuguese: Ele está esperando há 30 minutos.

3.2. Purpose or Intention

English: I need some water for the plants.

Spanish: Necesito agua para las plantas.

Portuguese: Preciso de água para as plantas.

3.3. Fixed Expressions

English: Thanks for your help.

Spanish: Gracias por tu ayuda.

Portuguese: Obrigado(a) pela sua ajuda.

Conclusion

In this guide, we explored the use of the preposition "for" in English and compared it to equivalent expressions in Spanish and Portuguese. Understanding these similarities and differences will help you better express duration, purpose, and intention in relation to actions or events. Keep practicing, and you'll master the use of "for" in no time! ¡Buena suerte! Boa sorte!