as for

A

as for (prepositional phrase)
/æz fɔːr/

Meanings

• Concerning a particular person or thing.
• Speaking about a certain topic.
• Regarding something already mentioned.
• Used to shift attention to another subject.

Synonyms: regarding; concerning; about; with respect to; in regard to; relating to.

Example Sentences

1. As for the new project, the team is still waiting for approval.
2. As for Emma, she decided to continue her studies abroad.
3. We fixed the website issue, but as for the missing files, nobody knows where they went.
4. The meeting covered sales first, and as for marketing, it will be discussed tomorrow.

Etymology and Origin

The phrase “as for” functions as a common preposition in modern English, meaning “with regard to,” “concerning,” or “about.” It developed naturally within English as a compound expression. “As” traces back to Old English “eallswā” or “alswā,” meaning “all so” or “just as,” which evolved into a marker of comparison or manner. Paired with “for,” which comes from Old English “for” (indicating purpose, reason, or relation, from earlier Germanic roots meaning “before” or “in front of”), the combination created a way to introduce a topic or shift focus.

This construction reflects how English built flexible prepositional phrases over time, especially after the Norman Conquest when the language simplified and blended native elements. It is not borrowed from another tongue but grew from everyday speech patterns in medieval England. Similar phrases like “as to” followed parallel paths, showing a broader trend in Middle English toward clearer ways to signal topics.

Country of Origin

The phrase first took shape in England during the Middle English period. English speakers in Britain combined familiar words to express ideas of reference or contrast, influenced by the language’s evolution after 1066 but staying rooted in Germanic structures. No strong evidence points to origins elsewhere; it belongs firmly to the development of English on British soil.

Earliest Records

Printed and manuscript records of “as for” appear in Middle English writings from the 1300s onward. One early example comes from texts around 1340, such as devotional or moral works produced in southern England. These uses already show the phrase signaling a shift to a new point, much like today. Later medieval literature, including works by authors like Geoffrey Chaucer in the late 1300s, employs it in narrative flow to introduce comments or contrasts. Exact first printed appearances align with the rise of movable type in England in the late 1400s, but handwritten copies preserve earlier spoken-like usage.

Interesting Aspects and Usage Notes

Over centuries, “as for” has stayed remarkably stable. It appears in everyday talk, formal writing, and literature without much controversy—no major spelling shifts or heated debates surround it. One fun note is how such simple phrases highlight English’s practical side: speakers layered native words rather than importing fancy terms. This helped keep the language accessible as it spread globally. In some contexts, it can feel slightly more casual than “regarding,” giving a conversational tone even in writing. Its endurance shows how core expressions adapt quietly while serving clear communication needs.

In summary, “as for” embodies the straightforward, homegrown quality of English prepositions. Born in medieval Britain from older roots, it has traveled unchanged into today’s global use, quietly helping speakers pivot topics for over six hundred years.

Important

Last update: May 18, 2026 1:44 AM