for the last time—as the last and final instance: To-night he drives his engine for the last time. last time—on the occasion next before the present: The last time I saw him he was looking about for something to do.
Category: Confusing Phrases
Difference between For the good and To the good
for the good—for the benefit of smb. or smth.: We will work for the good of our community and protect the interests of all the taxpayers. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase for good—(also: for good and all) permanently; for ever: He says that he is leaving the country for […]
Difference between For the foreseeable future and In the foreseeable future
for the foreseeable future—for a long time ahead: This seems likely to remain the pattern for the foreseeable future. in the foreseeable future—fairly soon: There is little hope that this will occur in the foreseeable future.
Difference between For someone’s liking and To someone’s liking
for someone’s liking—said of smth. which is too big, too hot, etc. and therefore not suited to smb.’s taste: They play music too loudly for their parents’ liking. to someone’s liking—said of smth. suited to a person’s interests, tastes or preferences: Do you find the room temperature to your liking?
Difference between For short and In short
for short—as an abbreviation: We call him Monty for short, his real name being Montgomery. in short—(also: in short words) in brief; by way of summary: He became, in short, the finest actor on the American stage. Note: The expression does not correlate in meaning with the phrase in short order—very quickly; without delay: In […]
Difference between For pity’s sake and Out of pity
for pity’s sake—is used when pleading for smth.: When you drive, for pity’s sake don’t smoke with one hand while you’re trying to turn a corner. out of pity—do smth. because of a feeling of pity: If I continue this relationship, I’d be doing it out of pity not actual love and that isn’t fair […]
Difference between For one and For one thing
for one—as at least one person (as distinguished from “none at all”): I for one would rather command a computer through a keyboard than talk to it. for one thing—as a single consideration; for one reason out of several: English football is so boring. For one thing, there are so few goals scored.
Difference between For once and For this once
for once —(also: for once in a way) as a single exception or a change from usual practice: Everyone we have invited has accepted, for once. for this once —(also: just this once) as an exception on this particular occasion (because of special circumstances): I think we might relax the regulations for this once.
Difference between For my part and On my part
for my part—as to me; as far as I am concerned: For my part, I could never make a good ball player. on my part—as regards my share in the action: The criticism offered on my part was not, as you put it, “counterproductive.”
Difference between For money and For my money
for money— 1. in return or exchange for money: People who cannot afford to play cards for money, sometimes sit down to a quiet game for love. 2. at the price paid: The overall quality is such that these volumes represent extremely good value for money. for my money—(coll.) 1. in my opinion: For my […]
Difference between For life and For one’s life
for life— 1. for the duration of a person’s life: If you help me now, I’ll be your friend for life. 2. said of smb. sentenced to life imprisonment: He was tried shortly after and sentenced for life. for one’s life— 1. (also: for dear life) run or fight in a lifethreatening situation: An armed […]
Difference between For good measure and In good measure
for good measure—given in addition to smth. else: All the poems are here, and then, for good measure, some hitherto unpublished fragments are added. in good measure—by a large amount; to a large extent: The People’s Forum is becoming in good measure also a women’s forum.