"for" vs "after"

Question

"for" vs "after"

The phrases 'for' and 'after' are not directly comparable as they serve different purposes in a sentence. 'For' is used to indicate a duration or purpose, while 'after' is used to show the sequence of events. Therefore, the choice between 'for' and 'after' depends on the context in which they are used.

Last Updated: March 15, 2024

Use 'for' when indicating the duration of an action or the purpose for which something is done. For example, 'I will study for two hours' or 'She went to the store for some groceries.'

Examples:

I will wait for you at the bus stop.
She studied for the exam all night.
He is going to the gym for a workout.
They have been friends for many years.
She bought a gift for her mother.

Alternatives:

during
in order to
because of
with the aim of
over

Use 'after' when describing events that occur in a particular order. For example, 'She ate breakfast after she woke up' or 'He called his friend after finishing work.'

Examples:

I will call you after I finish my homework.
She always goes for a walk after dinner.
He likes to relax after a long day at work.
They went to the movies after having dinner.
After the rain stopped, they went outside.

Alternatives:

following
subsequent to
later than
in the wake of
in the aftermath of

Answer 1

for

The word 'for' is correct and commonly used in English. It is used to indicate a duration or purpose.

Answer 2

after

The word 'after' is correct and commonly used in English. It is used to indicate the sequence of events.

"for" vs "after"

for

after

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