Here's a breakdown:
* "For free" is informal: It's commonly used in everyday conversation and casual writing.
* "Free of charge" is more formal: This is the preferred option in formal writing or when addressing a professional audience.
* "Free" can be used alone: You can simply say "This is free."
Examples:
* Informal: "I got the coffee for free."
* Formal: "The service is provided free of charge."
* Simple: "This item is free."
Ultimately, the best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.