There is for or there is no for

[bigC]

While I am getting older, I am more confused in the use of preposition.

There should be for or no for in the 2 sentences.

The registration procedure lasts for three minutes.
The registration procedure lasts three minutes.

I used this laptop for three times only.
I used this laptop three times only.

 

[tedmc]

While I am getting older, I am more confused [STRIKE]in[/STRIKE] with the use of prepositions.

There should be for or no for in the 2 sentences. Should there be a "for" in the two sentences?

The registration procedure lasts for three minutes.
The registration procedure lasts three minutes.

I used this laptop for three times only.
I used this laptop three times only.

You do not need a "for" in the two sentences. There are no clear-cut rules on the use of prepositions. How do we learn prepositions?
I think you get the feel of it, of what sounds right or natural, through lots of reading.

 

[bubbha]

You use "for" with durations, not with instances.

So:

"The registration procedure lasts for three minutes" is correct. "for" is actually optional in this sentence.

"I have used this laptop for three times only" is incorrect. You must delete "for" for it to be grammatical.

Using "for" with "times" is a common mistake made by non-native speakers.

 

[bigC]

You use "for" with durations, not with instances.

So:

"The registration procedure lasts for three minutes" is correct. "for" is actually optional in this sentence.

"I have used this laptop for three times only" is incorrect. You must delete "for" for it to be grammatical.

Using "for" with "times" is a common mistake made by non-native speakers.

Can I treat "subscription fee for 3 months" as a noun phrase, and keep "for" in the sentence:

"The saved money is enough to pay the subscription fee for three months".

 

[GoesStation]

Can I treat "subscription fee for 3 months" as a noun phrase, and keep "for" in the sentence:

"The saved money is enough to pay the subscription fee for three months".

Yes, but you should write "the money saved".

 

[Tdol]

I only used this laptop three times works well for me.