Of is used to combine two nouns to show that the first one belongs to the second one:
- Tarzan is the king of the jungle.
- Life of Brian is one of my favourite films.
- The advantages of practising English with a native speaker are numerous.
- The aim of this lesson is to explain how for and of are used.
- The death of his beloved dog was a great blow to Jordan.
- The Prince of Wales is the eldest child of the Queen.
- I think that shop is on the other side of the road.
Of is also used in phrases referring to quantities/ containers and their content:
- I’d like two kilos of apples, please.
- Hundreds of people attended the opening ceremony.
- Millions of dollars are spent on arms each year.
- I only ate one slice of pizza.
- Sit down and have a nice cup of tea.
- Would you like a glass of wine?
For, on the other hand, is used to express that someone can either have something or benefit from it:
- Come on, take it. It’s for you.
- Have you brought anything for me?
- Don’t sit there. That table is not for us.
- We booked a table for four.
- This lesson is not for beginners.
- Shall I order something to drink for you?
For is also used when talking about the purpose of something:
- This knife is used for cutting cheese.
- Only sterile needles can be used for injections.
- I travel a lot for work.
- We went for a walk after lunch.
And when talking about how long something lasts:
- We’re only staying for a day.
- I’ve been working here for over two years.
- I’d been standing in the rain for a few minutes before they finally let me in.
Or how much something costs:
- I’m sure they won’t sell their car for a thousand pounds.
- We sold our house for nearly one million pounds.
Apart from the above examples, both for and of are used in many phrasal verbs and together with various adjectives. Here are some of the most common examples:
- I can’t think of better ways to spend my time.
- Have you heard of meditation learning?
- I’m so proud of my children.
- Are you scared of spiders?
- I wasn’t aware of that fact.
- Sharon is jealous of her husband’s best friend.
- I’m not very fond of Sharon.
- I want to get rid of this old sofa.
- I must run now. I’m late for work.
- Are you ready for this?
- The kids were punished for painting on the wall.
- I’m not responsible for my sister’s actions.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
- Wait for me. I’m coming too.
- Paris is famous for its architecture.
- I’m not sorry for what I’ve done.
Recommended for you: 10 students PER class or 10 students FOR class?
