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Quizzes > English & Grammar

Is 'for' a Preposition? Quiz: Preposition or Conjunction

Quick, free quiz to check 'for' as a preposition or conjunction. Instant feedback.

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Cori ByrdUpdated Aug 25, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Paper art letters spelling FOR above quiz text on teal background testing preposition versus conjunction skills

This quiz helps you decide when 'for' acts as a preposition and when it works as a conjunction, using short, real sentences. You will get instant results with quick tips on each item. For more practice, try our preposition quiz, build skills with a conjunctions practice test, or review phrases in a prepositional phrase quiz.

I made dinner for my family.
Conjunction
Preposition
Adverb
Particle
In this sentence, 'for' introduces the beneficiary of the action (my family), which is the role of a preposition. It connects the verb 'made' to a noun phrase and shows purpose or recipient. Conjunctions, by contrast, connect clauses. .
Thank you for your help.
Particle
Adverb
Preposition
Conjunction
'For' in this sentence links 'thank you' with 'your help', indicating the reason or cause, which is a prepositional function. It introduces the noun phrase 'your help'. A conjunction would join two clauses, which is not happening here. .
We must leave now, for it's getting late.
Adverb
Conjunction
Particle
Preposition
Here, 'for' connects two independent clauses ('We must leave now' and 'it's getting late') and expresses a causal relationship. That is the role of a conjunction. It does not introduce a noun phrase. .
She has been studying for three hours.
Particle
Preposition
Conjunction
Adverb
In this case, 'for' introduces a duration ('three hours'), which is a prepositional function showing time. It links the verb phrase to a noun phrase indicating how long. Conjunctions don't mark time duration. .
They were punished for breaking the rules.
Adverb
Particle
Conjunction
Preposition
'For' introduces the gerund phrase 'breaking the rules', indicating the reason for the punishment. This is a prepositional role linking a verb to a verb phrase. Conjunctions cannot introduce gerund phrases. .
He skipped breakfast for he was not hungry.
Conjunction
Particle
Preposition
Adverb
Here, 'for' joins two clauses ('He skipped breakfast' and 'he was not hungry') to show the reason, fulfilling the conjunction role. It does not introduce a noun phrase, which distinguishes it from a preposition. .
The store is closed for renovation.
Preposition
Particle
Adverb
Conjunction
In this sentence, 'for' introduces the noun 'renovation', indicating purpose or reason. This is the function of a preposition. It cannot join clauses here, so it's not a conjunction. .
For all we know, the meeting was canceled.
Particle
Adverb
Conjunction
Preposition
The phrase 'for all we know' uses 'for' to introduce the scope of knowledge, linking it to the clause. This is a prepositional usage expressing limitation or extent. It does not join independent clauses. .
She bought flowers for the table.
Particle
Preposition
Adverb
Conjunction
'For' introduces the noun phrase 'the table', indicating purpose or intended destination. This prepositional behavior links the verb 'bought' to a noun. It is not functioning as a conjunction here. .
I waited for the bus in the rain.
Preposition
Conjunction
Adverb
Particle
Here, 'for' introduces the noun 'the bus' as the object of waiting. This clearly marks a prepositional relationship. Conjunctions cannot connect a verb directly to a noun phrase. .
He decided to go early, for he wanted to avoid traffic.
Preposition
Adverb
Particle
Conjunction
In this sentence, 'for' joins two independent clauses showing cause and effect. That role identifies it as a conjunction. It does not introduce a noun phrase or modify a verb directly as a preposition does. .
They exercised daily for good health.
Adverb
Particle
Conjunction
Preposition
'For' introduces the noun phrase 'good health', indicating purpose. This is a classic prepositional function. Conjunctions do not typically introduce purpose in this way. .
I sat silently, for the answer eluded me.
Adverb
Particle
Conjunction
Preposition
Here, 'for' connects two clauses to provide a reason why the speaker sat silently. This is a conjunction function, linking cause and effect. It does not introduce a noun phrase. .
For the first time, she felt exhilarated.
Conjunction
Particle
Adverb
Preposition
In this sentence, 'for' introduces the noun phrase 'the first time', indicating a temporal context. That is a prepositional use linking an adverbial phrase. Conjunctions would join clauses, which is not the case here. .
Grants for scholarships are often limited.
Conjunction
Adverb
Particle
Preposition
Here, 'for' links 'grants' to 'scholarships', indicating the intended use or purpose of the grants, which is a prepositional function. It is not connecting clauses, so it can't be a conjunction. .
She was applauded for not giving up.
Preposition
Conjunction
Adverb
Particle
'For' introduces the gerund phrase 'not giving up', indicating the reason for applause, which is a preposition function. A conjunction would join clauses, which is not happening here. .
For as much as he tried, failure followed.
Particle
Adverb
Conjunction
Preposition
In the phrase 'for as much as', 'for' introduces a subordinate clause expressing concession, functioning as a conjunction. It does not introduce a noun phrase. .
The path was cleared for the procession.
Conjunction
Preposition
Adverb
Particle
Here, 'for' introduces the noun phrase 'the procession', indicating the purpose behind clearing the path. This is a standard prepositional role. Conjunctions do not introduce nouns or noun phrases in this way. .
He wrote a poem for her amusement.
Conjunction
Preposition
Particle
Adverb
In this sentence, 'for' introduces 'her amusement', indicating the intended beneficiary or purpose of the poem. This is the typical function of a preposition. It does not join clauses. .
They rehearsed for the performance until midnight.
Particle
Adverb
Preposition
Conjunction
'For' introduces 'the performance', indicating the purpose of the rehearsal, which is a prepositional function. It links the verb to a noun phrase. Conjunctions do not serve this purpose. .
For all intents and purposes, it's done.
Conjunction
Preposition
Particle
Adverb
In the idiom 'for all intents and purposes', 'for' introduces the entire phrase as a preposition of extent. It describes the scope rather than connecting clauses. .
For that I was unprepared, I did poorly.
Adverb
Particle
Preposition
Conjunction
In this archaic construction, 'for' introduces a clause ('that I was unprepared') giving a reason for the main clause, which is a conjunction function. It does not introduce a noun phrase. .
She trembled for fear of discovery.
Particle
Preposition
Conjunction
Adverb
Here, 'for' introduces the noun phrase 'fear of discovery', indicating the cause of trembling, which is a prepositional use. It does not join clauses. .
He left early for want of patience.
Conjunction
Adverb
Particle
Preposition
'For want of' is an idiomatic prepositional phrase meaning 'because of lack of'. Here, 'for' introduces 'want of patience', marking a prepositional relationship indicating cause. .
The old saying holds true, for what it is worth.
Conjunction
Particle
Preposition
Adverb
In the idiom 'for what it is worth', 'for' introduces a noun clause functioning as an adjunct indicating value. This is a prepositional use rather than joining clauses. .
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Study Outcomes

  1. Define Prepositions and Conjunctions -

    Understand the fundamental roles of prepositions and conjunctions in English grammar and why distinguishing them matters.

  2. Differentiate "for" Usage -

    Analyze sentences to determine whether "for" functions as a preposition or conjunction in various contexts.

  3. Identify Parts of Speech -

    Spot and label "for" correctly in sample sentences, reinforcing your grasp of conjunction or preposition.

  4. Apply Grammar Rules -

    Use your knowledge to craft sentences with "for" used appropriately as a preposition or conjunction.

  5. Self-Assess with Instant Feedback -

    Evaluate your quiz answers immediately to pinpoint strengths and areas needing more practice.

  6. Boost Grammar Confidence -

    Strengthen your understanding of conjunction or preposition usage and feel more confident in your writing skills.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Recognizing 'For' in Prepositional Phrases -

    According to the Cambridge Dictionary, when "for" precedes a noun or pronoun, it functions as a preposition indicating purpose, benefit, or duration, as in "a gift for you" or "for two hours." Prepositional "for" always introduces an object, making relationships clear between elements in a sentence. Practice spotting it by checking if it's immediately followed by a noun phrase rather than a verb clause.

  2. Grasping 'For' as a Coordinating Conjunction -

    Per Purdue OWL, "for" can serve as one of the seven coordinating conjunctions (FANBOYS), linking independent clauses with a causal meaning - "She studied hard, for she wanted top grades." Here, "for" equals "because," so look for two clauses on either side to confirm its use as a conjunction. Remember that unlike prepositional "for," it connects full ideas rather than simple noun phrases.

  3. The FANBOYS Memory Trick -

    Use the acronym FANBOYS (For, And, Nor, But, Or, Yet, So) to recall that "for" is the only one of these that expresses reason or cause. This mnemonic helps you quiz whether "for" is acting as a conjunction or just a preposition. If it links clauses like "I wore a coat, for it was cold," you've found the conjunction.

  4. Spotting Purpose, Duration, and Benefit -

    University of Oxford notes that prepositional "for" often conveys why something is done ("for fun"), how long ("for three days"), or who benefits ("for the team"). Identifying these roles in sample sentences will sharpen your "is for a preposition or conjunction" instincts. Highlight the noun that follows to confirm the prepositional use.

  5. Distinguishing Clause vs. Phrase Usage -

    When "for" is followed by a verb-ing or a full clause with subject and verb, it's usually a conjunction: "He stood back, for everyone was watching." Conversely, if it's followed by a noun phrase, it's a preposition: "He stood back for safety." Testing both contexts strengthens your conjunction or preposition identification skills.

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