Free vs for free

I normally say A.

I agree with JulieLai, I believe that "you can get it free" is a slang shorting for the correct "you can get it for free"...

I feel the opposite. In this context "free" means "for nothing" and so "for free" is equivalent to "for for free". I checked in my dictionary (Collins) which indicated that "for free" is non-standard.

I say that simply "free" is more correct, but not absolutely correct. I liked the analysis that said that "for free" translates into "for for free." However, here is a problem with that type of analysis:

Another dictionary definition says "free" means "without charge." American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition. Analyzing the usage of free

TimKowalHowever, here is a problem with that type of analysis

I agree entirely that that type of analysis does not work when you look at something seriously, but it does help to make a point sometimes.

Both are used.

DavidBoth are used.

Can't disagree with you there. The point is perhaps which is felt to be more appropriate for formal use at the present time. I just "felt" that "free" was better and the dictionary I happen to own agrees with me by saying that "for free" is non-standard. As with many words and phrases the non-standard one may become standard and eventually

I was told by a professional editor that 'for free' was incorrect, no matter how much it is in common use. In the first place it is redundant. Either something is free or it costs something. Saying it is for free means it doesn't, doesn't cost anything. In the second place, 'for' is a preposition and can only be followed by a noun or pronoun. 'Free' can be either an adjective or a verb, but

I think A is right.by the way ,a question for julielai,are you chinese? if you are,please contact me i'm a boy in beijing

I agree. You cannot get something for a state of being. It's either free or not. Same with free gift. All gifts are free or they're not gifts, right?