question

[Taka]

The sentences:

It's so commonplace today that we take it for granted--the ability to jump into a jumbo jet and fly into the sunset. But, of course, for most of human history we've only been able to dream of flying through the air as the birds do...Indeed, it wasn't until the beginning of the 20th century that serious work could be done on the problem of powered flight.

How do you interpret the "for" above? It doesn't look like it is used to indicate amount, extent, or duration, one of those typical usages of "for".

[Francois]

Yes, it indicates a period of time eg.
I waited for you for two solid hours.
Here, "most of human history" defines a period of time too.

FRC

[Taka]

Yes, it indicates a period of time eg.
I waited for you for two solid hours.
Here, "most of human history" defines a period of time too.

FRC

Are you sure?

Initially I thought, like you, it indicated a period of time. But after a little thought, now it seems to me to indicate something else.

Well, maybe I'm reading too much in it.

I look for our teachers comments.

[Francois]

Yes, I'm quite sure, but let's a teacher confirm.
It has nothing to do with 'For all I know' or 'Forgive me Father, for I have seen".

FRC

[Tdol]

I'd say it's the time meaning. I'd also say 'two hours solid'.

[Francois]

I'd also say 'two hours solid'.

Oh, TY.

FRC

[Susie Smith]

Yes, I'm quite sure, but let's a teacher confirm.
It has nothing to do with 'For all I know' or 'Forgive me Father, for I have seen".

FRC

Forgive me, Father, for I have sinned ??
:wink:

[Francois]

Right. One can type pretty funny things when they type too fast :)

FRC

[Tdol]

Maybe the person is a voyeur who is repenting.

[Ahmed88]

How do you interpret the "for" above?

For here indicates Duration, as the sentense is in the present perfect.
let's formulate the sentense originally:
We've only been able to dream of flying through the air as the birds do for most of human history.
Regards