simple question

[Taka]

What does "for" mean in "for the first time"?

(I personally think it's almost the same as "as").

 

[izabela]

Hi,

'For' has many different meanings, as you probably know, in this sentence it simply shows that something happens first time. It should be easier to understand this phrase when it is put in context, for example:

"I am warning you for the last time. Do not kick your brother!"

or

"I met him for the first time yesterday."


I hope it helps,
Iza

What does "for" mean in "for the first time"?

(I personally think it's almost the same as "as").

 

[Taka]

Thanks, Iza. But I know the usage. What I'm interested in is the "for" itself.
For example,The American Heritage Dictionariy says "for" is:

1a. Used to indicate the object, aim, or purpose of an action or activity: trained for the ministry; put the house up for sale; plans to run for senator. b. Used to indicate a destination: headed off for town. 2. Used to indicate the object of a desire, intention, or perception: had a nose for news; eager for success. 3a. Used to indicate the recipient or beneficiary of an action: prepared lunch for us. b. On behalf of: spoke for all the members. c. In favor of: Were they for or against the proposal? d. In place of: a substitute for eggs. 4a. Used to indicate equivalence or equality: paid ten dollars for a ticket; repeated the conversation word for word. b. Used to indicate correlation or correspondence: took two steps back for every step forward. 5a. Used to indicate amount, extent, or duration: a bill for five dollars; walked for miles; stood in line for an hour. b. Used to indicate a specific time: had an appointment for two o'clock. c. Used to indicate a number of attempts: shot three for four from the foul line. 6a. As being: take for granted; mistook me for the librarian. b. Used to indicate an actual or implied listing or choosing: For one thing, we can't afford it. 7. As a result of; because of: jumped for joy. 8. Used to indicate appropriateness or suitability: It will be for the judge to decide. 9. Notwithstanding; despite: For all the problems, it was a valuable experience. 10a. As regards; concerning: a stickler for neatness. b. Considering the nature or usual character of: was spry for his advanced age. c. In honor of: named for her grandmother.

Now, under which category do you think the "for" of "for the first time" falls?

 

[MikeNewYork]

What does "for" mean in "for the first time"?

(I personally think it's almost the same as "as").

I agree: something like "as being". :wink:

 

[Taka]

Thank you, my sensei!

 

[Taka]

Mike, a friend of mine says it is used to indicate amount, extent, or duration or to indicate a specific time (i.e. the usage #5 above).

What do you think?

 

[MikeNewYork]

Mike, a friend of mine says it is used to indicate amount, extent, or duration or to indicate a specific time (i.e. the usage #5 above).

What do you think?

I think it fits the first one better. This one is:

For a few days, for an hour, for a mile, etc.

 

[Taka]

Mike, a friend of mine says it is used to indicate amount, extent, or duration or to indicate a specific time (i.e. the usage #5 above).

What do you think?

I think it fits the first one better.

I think so, too.

This one is:
For a few days, for an hour, for a mile, etc.

That's duration(i.e. the usage #5a). I agree with you in that the "for" of "for the first time" is not duration.

What do you think about the usage #5b, the indication of specific time?

 

[MikeNewYork]

Mike, a friend of mine says it is used to indicate amount, extent, or duration or to indicate a specific time (i.e. the usage #5 above).

What do you think?

I think it fits the first one better.

I think so, too.

This one is:
For a few days, for an hour, for a mile, etc.

That's duration(i.e. the usage #5a). I agree with you in that the "for" of "for the first time" is not duration.

What do you think about the usage #5b, the indication of specific time?

That is more in the realm of "at 2 o'clock". Prepositions can be difficult to "define".

 

[Taka]

That is more in the realm of "at 2 o'clock". Prepositions can be difficult to "define".

Ah, that "time"!

Anyway, my first pick is "as being", which is the same as yours, and I'm glad I've got the same psychology as that of a native speaker like you Mike in undertanding the usage.

Thank you again, my sensei!

 

[MikeNewYork]

That is more in the realm of "at 2 o'clock". Prepositions can be difficult to "define".

Ah, that "time"!

Anyway, my first pick is "as being", which is the same as yours, and I'm glad I've got the same psychology as that of a native speaker like you Mike in undertanding the usage.

Thank you again, my sensei!

I love it when you call me "sensei". It sounds so wise. :wink: