For the sake of
/fɔr ðə seɪk əv/
B2
Definition
The phrase "for the sake of" is used when someone does an action because it is good or important for a person, thing, idea, or goal. It shows that the reason for the action is to help, protect, or support that person or thing. It can also mean doing something to achieve a specific purpose.
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See It in Action
Doing something to help or protect someone or something
- •She stayed quiet for the sake of peace in the family.
- •They moved to a new city for the sake of their children's education.
- •We must protect the environment for the sake of future generations.
Doing something for a particular goal or purpose
- •He accepted the job for the sake of gaining experience.
- •For the sake of fairness, everyone should have a chance to speak.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "for the sake of" like "because of" but with a focus on care or importance, not just cause.
- ✓Picture someone crossing a busy street carefully for the sake of their child's safety — they do it to protect the child.
- ✓It's the feeling when you do something hard or patient because you care about the result or a person.
- ✓Sounds like "for the sake of" → imagine someone holding a "sake" bottle (Japanese rice wine) as a gift to show they care deeply.
- ✓Think of stories where a hero makes a sacrifice for the sake of their friends or family.
- ✓NOT like "because" (which just shows cause), "for the sake of" shows a reason with care or importance.
- ✓NOT like "for fun" (done for enjoyment), it is done with a serious or important reason.
- ✓NOT like "for no reason" — it always has a clear purpose or goal.
Try Other Words
- •For the benefit of: meaning to help or improve something (Use when focusing on helping or improving)
- •In order to: meaning to do something with the goal of achieving something (Use when focusing on purpose or goal)
- •For: simple preposition meaning "because of" or "to help" (Use in informal or shorter contexts)
Unboxing
- •Phrase parts: "for" (preposition indicating purpose) + "the sake" (old word meaning benefit, interest, or purpose) + "of" (preposition linking to the object)
- •Etymology: "Sake" comes from Old English "sacu," meaning cause, dispute, or purpose.
- •Historical development: Used since Middle English times to express doing something for a reason or purpose.
- •Modern usage: Common phrase in English to explain why an action is done with care or for a particular goal.
Reflect & Connect
•Can you think of a time when you did something difficult for the sake of someone else? How did it feel?
•How does using "for the sake of" change the meaning of a sentence compared to just saying "because"?
Fill in the blanks
1.She stayed silent for the sake of ___ peace during the meeting.
2.They moved to another country for the sake of their ___ education.
3.Sometimes people do things for the sake of ___, even if it is hard.
4.For the sake of ___, please listen carefully to all sides of the story.
5.He accepted the offer for the sake of gaining ___ and experience.
6.Parents often make sacrifices for the sake of their ___.
7.The team worked together for the sake of ___ success, not individual fame.