Of vs For (With Table)

Among the various prepositions, Of and For are the most used ones. These two prepositions vary greatly in many ways. So let’s study of vs for in detail but first understand what are prepositions?

Prepositions form an integral part of English speech. These are used in almost every sentence. Prepositions tell us when and where an object is located and its relation to another object. Most of the English sentences have some kind of prepositions in them.

The importance of prepositions goes a long way. It helps in understanding the relationship between two objects. These short words demonstrate a specific location, direction, position, or time.

Another important fact is that prepositions help to understand the relation of a noun to another noun. These are used to portray abstract ideas such as the purpose or a comparison.

The difference between the prepositions Of and For is that Of shows the ownership or distance from something or even the result that comes next. On the other hand, For as a preposition is used to show the purpose, destination, or the amount of something.

Comparison Table: Of vs For

Criteria	Of	For
Meaning	The preposition Of means related to. This is used when you’re trying to explain distance, origin, or some cause.	For is a preposition that means over a period of time. This is used while trying to explain a purpose, destination, and the amount of something.
Other meanings	Some of the other meanings of the preposition ‘of’ include coming from, separated from, belonging to, caused by, and so on.	The other meanings of the preposition ‘For’ include instead of, in favor of, with regard to, in place of, etc.
Origin	Of is considered to be one of the oldest prepositions in the English Language.	For as a preposition originated in the 900’s and it initially came from the word ‘before’.
Use	Of is used in a general sense.	For is used in a very special sense.
Examples	● The Duke of Cambridge is here. ● We might die of hypothermia. ● The paintings of Georgia O’Keefe often feature flowers. ● She lives west of the lake. ● He was robbed of his money at gunpoint. ● The top hat is one of his favorite accessories.	● I want books made for children. ● The purpose of the books is to be appropriate for children to read. ● We could substitute white fish for crab meat. ● The vigil was for the people who died in the fire. ● For Valentine’s day, I always buy chocolate.

About Of

Of is one of the most commonly used prepositions when it comes to the English Language. Of, as an unstressed form, is written as. æf. In a much simpler form, Of means away or away from. Sometimes it also means related to.

Of is used to define the relation of an object being connected to something or when something belongs to something. It portrays the possession, origin, or belonging of the thing. There are multiple meanings of this preposition such as: coming from, caused by, separated from, apart from, and belonging to. It is used to describe things in a much broader sense in relation to distance, cause, origin, and direction.

Let us take a look at some of the examples:

1) Of all the women in this room, you are the most beautiful one.
2) There is an abundance of oil and natural gas in the Spratly group of Islands.
3) Of course not!
4) His mother was charged with the instruction of justice
5) The Sahara desert is one of the most remote parts of the world.

Different meanings of the term ‘Of’:

1) With reference to
2) Belonging to
3) Relieved or separated from
4) At a distance from or apart from
5) Resulting from or caused by
6) Derived or coming from

About For

For is also a commonly used preposition. This preposition is used often when you are speaking, reading, and writing. This is used to explain a purpose, destination, or specify the amount of something.

Of is sometimes also used to define a specific place a person or thing is going to, is sent to, or is given to. The word For had originated in the 900s and it is said to have developed from the word ‘before’.

Apart from the main meaning, there are multiple meanings of the preposition For. These include: instead of, in favor of, with the purpose of, in place of, and with regard to.

For is used to describe a certain period of time like a month or a minute. The word is used while referring to distance, time and purpose.

Let us take a look at some of the examples:

1) All for one and one for all!
2) I see everything fair and square. Nothing is taken for granted.
3) This is for Sparta!
4) I am writing articles for my friend Chloe.
5) Are you against it, or for it?

Multiple meanings of the preposition for:

1) At the price of
2) In place of
3) Instead of
4) Corresponding to
5) In defense of
6) With regard to
7) In favor of
8) With the aim, or for the purpose of
9) In order to be, become, get, have, keep, etc
10) Considering the general nature of
11) To be used in
12) Meant to be received by

Do you know? Theatrical vs Unrated Version

Difference Between Of and For

1) Definition

The preposition Of is used to denote distance, origin, direction, and cause. On the other hand, For as a preposition is used in relation to time, distance, and purpose.

2) Meaning

Of as a preposition means related to whereas For as a preposition means over a period of time.

3) Other meaning

There are different sets of meanings when it comes to Of and For. Of also means coming from and For means in place of.

4) Use

The preposition Of is used in a general and broad sense while the preposition For is used in a very specific sense.

5) Used as a conjunction

Of cannot be used as a conjunction in a sentence whereas For can be used as a conjunction in a sentence.

Do you know? Amish vs Mennonites

Summary

Multiple words are misplaced and misused while forming English sentences. The prepositions Of and For can also seem confusing for people who are starting to learn the English language. These two prepositions are used in relation to different things.