Conjunction is one kind of part of speech. It is used to join two or more words, clauses, and sentences. Here we shall explore the word ‘for’ as conjunction.
The word ‘for’ can be used as a preposition or conjunction based on our needs. We can definitely use the word ‘for’ as a conjunction because it helps us to join two sentences together to form a single sentence.
Ex- I cannot teach the students today, for I am ill.
Explanation- Here the word ‘for’ is used to join two sentences i.e. ‘I cannot teach the students today.’ and ‘I am ill.’ and frames a single sentence.
Let us explain more facts about the use of the word ‘for’ as a conjunction.
When is ‘for’ a conjunction?
It is obvious to us that the word ‘for’ can perform the function as conjunction. Here we shall discuss when we can use ‘for’ as conjunction.
We can use the word ‘for’ to explain the reason. We can use the word ‘for’ as conjunction whenever we wish to show any cause.
Ex- Pratap is underweight, for he lacks proper proteins in the food.
Explanation- Here the word ‘for’ is used as a coordinating conjunction. It expresses the reason.
Ex- Ranjan is in a hurry, for he is late to arrive at school.
Explanation- Here it is found that the word ‘for’ is doing the function of joining two principal clauses together and making a single sentence.
Is ‘for’ always a conjunction?
We have already come to know that ‘for’ can act as a conjunction. Now, we will discuss whether ‘for’ is always conjunction.
The word ‘for’ is not always a conjunction. Besides being conjunction the word ‘for’ acts as a preposition. We can use the word ‘for’ as a preposition or as conjunction based on our needs.
When we use it before a noun or a pronoun it works as a preposition and when we use it to connect sentences it becomes conjunction.
Ex- He has been living in Suri for five years.
Explanation- In this sentence, we find that the word ‘for’ is used as a preposition. It refers to the period of time and establishes a relationship with the other parts of the sentence.
Ex- Deep could not go to school yesterday for illness.
Explanation- Here the word ‘for’ is used as a preposition and serves the purpose of reason. It sets up a relationship with the other words of the sentence.
When is ‘for’ not considered as conjunction?
The word ‘for’ does not always function as a conjunction. It works as another part of speech also. Now, we shall see it.
The word ‘for’ is not considered conjunction when it is followed by a noun or a pronoun and establishes a relationship with the other parts of the sentence.
Ex- I shall bring a doll for my little daughter.
Explanation- Here we see that the word works as a conjunction by connecting two sentences together and forming a single sentence.
What kind of conjunction is the word ‘for’?
There are different kinds of conjunctions. These are coordinating conjunction and subordinating conjunction. Here we shall discuss what kind of conjunction the word ‘for’ is.
Conjunction that can join the principal clauses together and makes a single sentence is called a coordinating conjunction. As the word ‘for’ serves this purpose it falls into the category of coordinating conjunction.
Ex- Suchi put some rice under the table, for she wanted to give the cat some food.
Explanation- Suchi put some rice under the table. (principal clause)
She wanted to give the cat some food. (principal clause)
For (coordinating conjunction)
The above two principal clauses are joined together by the word ‘for’ to frame a single sentence. So, the word ‘for’ acts as a coordinating conjunction here.
Why is ‘for’ conjunction?
We have known that ‘for’ is conjunction. Now we shall discuss why the word ‘for’ is a conjunction.
A conjunction joins words, phrases, clauses, and sentences. The word ‘for’ can join the two clauses together and a single complex sentence. So, we can certainly call it conjunction.
Ex- The students are praised, for they are obedient to their teachers.
Explanation- Here the word ‘for’ acts as a conjunction because it joins the two principal clauses together and frames a single sentence.
Examples of ‘for’ as conjunction:
Here we shall get to know the sentences where the word ‘for’ is used as a conjunction.
| Serial number | Examples | Explanations |
| 1. | Don’t disturb Sohini, for she is reading. | In this sentence, we see that the word ‘for’ is used to join two principal clauses to frame a single sentence. |
| 2. | The baby is crying, for it is hungry. | Here it is seen that ‘for’ acts as a coordinating conjunction by joining two sentences together and framing a single sentence. |
| 3. | .I did not come to school, for I was unwell. | Here we see that the word ‘for’ is used as a conjunction. It joins two principal clauses together. |
| 4. | My sister drank some water, for she was thirsty. | In this sentence, it is found that the word ‘for’ joins the two sentences. |
| 5. | .Please help Hori, for he is needy. | This is the example where the word ‘for’ is used to join the two simple sentences together to form a larger sentence. |
| 6. | Sanjana cannot sing, for she feels pain in her throat. | Here, the word ‘for’ is used to join the two sentences. |
| 7. | They could not get on the bus, for they were late. | Here we see that the word ‘for’ joins the two sentences and forms a single sentence. |
| 8. | .I could not complete the article, for the electricity was gone | In this sentence, the word ‘for’ is used to connect the two principal clauses and thus acts as conjunction. |
| 9. | Could you give the man some food, for he is hungry? | Here it is found that the word ‘for’ is used to join the two principal clauses together. |
| 10. | She is clapping her hands, for she is overjoyed to see her mother coming | Here we have found that the word ‘for’ is used to join the two principal clauses together. |
| 11. | The teacher was happy, for the students did all the sums correctly. | Here is the sentence where we see that the word ‘for’ is used to connect two principal clauses together to frame a single sentence. |
| 12 | My grandfather cannot eat hard food, or he has lost his teeth. | The example shows that the word ‘for’ joins the two principal clauses. |
| 13 | We are unable to go out, for it is raining outside. | In this sentence, we see that the word ‘for’ connects the two sentences and frames a single complex sentence. |
| 14. | Rajaji ran out last night, for he heard a loud noise. | This sentence clearly hints that the word ‘for’ acts as a conjunction by joining two principal clauses. |
Conclusion
The detailed discussion on the word ‘for’ as conjunction will definitely be helpful to us. We can use the word ‘for’ as conjunction while framing sentences.
Hi…. I am Goutam Datta. I have completed a double M. A. in English and B. Ed. I am a creative writer. Currently, I am a part of the LambdaGeeks.