What are the definitions of “head for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move or travel towards.
It's getting late- I'm HEADING FOR home.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “head for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb head for is to move or travel towards a specific destination or direction. It is often used when talking about going somewhere or moving in a particular direction.
What are the different verb forms of “head for”?
| Root Verb | head for |
| Third Person Singular Present | heads for |
| Present Participle | heading for |
| Simple Past | headed for |
| Past Participle | headed for |
Example
After work, she usually heads for the gym.
Example
He heads for the bus stop every morning.
Example
They are heading for the beach to enjoy the sunny day.
Example
Yesterday, we headed for the mountains to go hiking.
Example
The ship had headed for the harbor before the storm hit.
What kind of phrasal verb is “head for”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“head for” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The train is heading for the city center.
Example
She headed for the exit as soon as the event was over.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“head for” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The train is heading for the city center.
Example
She headed for the exit as soon as the event was over.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “head for”?
Good things to know
Does “head for” have an informal or formal tone?
Head for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.
