for
conjunctionShows why something happens or what the reason is, as in 'We stayed inside for it was raining.'
prepositionShows where something is going or moving towards, as in 'We are heading for the park.'
prepositionShows what something is meant to do or be used for, as in 'This spoon is for eating soup.'
prepositionShows who something belongs to or is given to, as in 'This present is for you.'
prepositionShows how long something lasts, as in 'We played in the garden for an hour.'
prepositionShows what you get in exchange or what the price is, as in 'I paid five pounds for a book.'
"for" does not follow standard phonics patterns and should be memorized.
Phonics breakdown
Phonics Rule: Letter F
The letter F makes the /f/ sound, like in 'fish', 'fun', and 'fox'. The upper teeth touch the lower lip.
F is a voiceless labiodental fricative — the upper front teeth rest on the lower lip while air flows through to make the /f/ sound. It is very consistent.
Tip
F is for fish — and fish starts with /f/!
Examples
Phonics Rule: R-Controlled OR
When R comes after O, it makes the /ɔːr/ sound, like in 'for' and 'corn'.
OR makes the /ɔːr/ sound. Unlike ER/IR/UR which all sound the same, OR has its own distinct sound. The companion rule r_controlled_or_er covers the /ɜːr/ pronunciation after W (word, work).
Tip
OR — the horse in the corner says /ɔːr/!
Examples
What is SnapPhonics?
A phonics reference for teachers, parents and learners. Every English word, broken into the sounds that make it — with audio, syllables, and the rule behind each spelling.
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