I won first place in the writing contest.
- I'm so happy for you.
(In this dialogue, what is the meaning of 'for'? What else can we use instead of 'for'?)
3 answers
I don't know of anything that could substitute for 'for' here. It's something of an idiom, meaning, 'Congratulations.'
Is it "I'm so happy because of you."
That has a completely different meaning.
"I'm happy for you" is sending congratulations and happiness TO the "you."
"I'm happy because of you" focuses the happiness on the "I" --which is the opposite of what you posted first.
"I'm happy for you" is sending congratulations and happiness TO the "you."
"I'm happy because of you" focuses the happiness on the "I" --which is the opposite of what you posted first.