Question: “Dear Mr. Fischer, I have a friend that uses the words ‘so’ and ‘for’ interchangeably. For example, instead of saying, ‘Let’s put our shoes on, so we can go outside,’ she will say, ‘Let’s put our shoes on, for we can go outside.’ Would you please tell us whether this is proper English and if you have ever heard this before? Thank you in advance. Cordially, Concerned Friend in Zionsville.”
Answer: That’s an unusual one, I have to say.
“For” can be used sometimes as a substitute for “as,” or “since” or “because.” The first example that comes to mind is Walt Whitman, who, in his poem “Pioneers! O Pioneers!” did just that:
“For we cannot tarry here / We must march my darlings, we must bear the brunt of danger / We the youthful sinewy races, all the rest on us depend / Pioneers! O pioneers!”
All that being said, “for” and “so” are not interchangeable – at the very least not in the usage you mentioned.
Question: “Hello, Jordan. I really enjoy your column in the ‘Current.’ I do some writing myself, so I find your columns helpful, interesting, and informative. I would like to get your feedback on a modern trend in writing – one which I despise, but seems to be accepted practice now. I will frame my question in the very form which I’m questioning: What do you think about the modern. Tendency. To write. In incomplete. Sentences? Perhaps that would make a good topic for one of your columns!” — (Orlando Smith)
Answer: Thanks for writing in, Orlando!
What do I think about it? It’s annoying as all get-out. I suspect it evolved from the scattered, quickly-written nature of text messages and online communication.
What’s to be done about it, though? I suppose we could start a letter-writing campaign. At the end of the day, I think you just have to keep fighting the good grammar fight. Stay strong, brothers and sisters.
