What For

Pronunciation: /wʌt fɔr/

Definitions of what for

adverb used to ask about the purpose or reason for something

Example Sentences

A1 Can you please explain what for you need this information?

A2 I don't understand what for we have to do this assignment.

B1 Could you clarify what for you are asking for my help with this project?

B2 I am not sure what for we should continue pursuing this line of research.

C1 I questioned him about what for he was risking his reputation by associating with that group.

C2 The committee debated what for they should allocate additional funds to that department.

preposition used to ask about the intended use or destination of something

Example Sentences

A1 What for do you need my help?

A2 I don't understand what for you are asking that question.

B1 Can you explain what for you are using this tool?

B2 I wonder what for you want to learn a new language.

C1 I questioned him about what for he needed the money.

C2 She couldn't comprehend what for he was so upset about.

Examples of what for in a Sentence

formal Can you please explain to me what for you need this information?

informal Hey, why do you need this information for?

slang Yo, what's the deal with needing this info for?

figurative I don't understand what for you're asking me to do this.

Grammatical Forms of what for

• past tense: asked
• plural: whats for
• comparative: more for
• superlative: most for
• present tense: asking
• future tense: will ask
• perfect tense: have asked
• continuous tense: am asking
• singular: what for
• positive degree: good for
• infinitive: to ask
• gerund: asking
• participle: asked

Origin and Evolution of what for

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English and Old English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'what for' originated from Middle English and Old English interrogative pronouns combined with the preposition 'for'.

Evolution of the word: Originally used in a literal sense to inquire about the purpose or reason for something, the phrase 'what for' eventually evolved to also be used in a more confrontational or aggressive manner, often indicating a challenge or demand for justification.