for the sake of

Meaning

This phrase means for the benefit, advantage, or good of someone or something, or for a specific purpose (such as clarity or convenience). In academic writing, it is often used to justify a simplification, an assumption, or an organizational choice (e.g., 'for the sake of simplicity'). The tone is neutral and versatile, fitting both academic and general contexts.

Examples

• For the sake of simplicity, we will assume a constant rate of inflation in our model.

  For the sake of simplicity, we will assume a constant rate of inflation in our model.

• They decided to stay together for the sake of their children.

  They decided to stay together for the sake of their children.

• For the sake of argument, let us assume that the initial hypothesis is correct.

  For the sake of argument, let us assume that the initial hypothesis is correct.

• We must protect these ancient forests for the sake of future generations.

  We must protect these ancient forests for the sake of future generations.

• The author shortened the chapter for the sake of brevity and flow.

  The author shortened the chapter for the sake of brevity and flow.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ For the sake to save time, we skipped the introduction.

  ✓ For the sake of saving time, we skipped the introduction.

  The phrase must be followed by 'of' and a noun or a gerund (-ing), never 'to' and an infinitive.

• ✗ They compromised just for the sake's of peace.

  ✓ They compromised just for the sake of peace.

  The word 'sake' does not take a possessive apostrophe-s when used in this standard prepositional structure.

Related Expressions

Practice

• ___ clarity, please define all technical terms at the beginning of the report.

  💡 To achieve clarity.

  Show answer

  For the sake of

• We should avoid making hasty decisions ___ speed.

  💡 Just to be fast.

  Show answer

  for the sake of