What are the definitions of “stand for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Accept or tolerate behaviour.
I'm not going to STAND FOR their rudeness any longer.
- 2The words represented by certain initials.
' WHAT do the letters BBC STAND FOR?'' British Broadcasting Corporation.'
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “stand for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb stand for is to represent or symbolize something, such as the meaning behind an abbreviation or acronym. For example, it can be used to ask what the letters in an abbreviation represent or to explain the meaning of a symbol.
What are the different verb forms of “stand for”?
| Root Verb | stand for |
| Third Person Singular Present | stands for |
| Present Participle | standing for |
| Simple Past | stood for |
| Past Participle | stood for |
Example
What does the acronym NASA stand for?
Example
The symbol stands for peace and unity.
Example
The organization is standing for environmental protection.
Example
The old flag stood for freedom and independence.
Example
The initials have always stood for the same words.
What kind of phrasal verb is “stand for”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“stand for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
The letters UN stand for United Nations.
Example
She stands for justice and equality.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“stand for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The letters UN stand for United Nations.
Example
She stands for justice and equality.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “stand for”?
Stand for
To tolerate or accept certain behavior.
Example
I won't stand for this kind of disrespect in my classroom.
Good things to know
Does “stand for” have an informal or formal tone?
Stand for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as academic discussions or professional communication.
