for

for

1. As a coordinating conjunction introducing a clause that gives a reason or explanation, for has two features of use not shared by because and since: (1) it cannot come at the beginning of a sentence but must follow a main clause:

• He picked his way down carefully, step by step, for the steps were narrow —G. Greene, 1988

and (2) it is normally preceded by a comma, except occasionally when the sentence is short:

• It was gloomy and damp, for the sun could hardly shine through the tops of the trees —New Yorker, 1989

• I wanted a setting for my own little life, for I did not think that I should know too many people —Anita Brookner, 1990

• (comma omitted) He did not cry any more for it did not help —D. Matthee, 1986.

In most uses, for is rather more formal in effect than either because or since.

2. In AmE for is used to introduce a subordinate clause after certain verbs:

• I didn't intend for you to find out —J. McInerney, 1985

• I can't afford for that bike to break down —New Yorker, 1986.

In BrE other constructions would be used instead; for example intend would be followed by a that-clause or more likely a to-infinitive (I didn't intend you to find out).