What are the definitions of “fend for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Take care of yourself or someone with help from other people.
The children had to FEND FOR themselves after their parents died.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “fend for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb fend for is to take care of oneself or someone else without help from other people. It often implies being independent and self-reliant in difficult situations.
What are the different verb forms of “fend for”?
| Root Verb | fend for |
| Third Person Singular Present | fends for |
| Present Participle | fending for |
| Simple Past | fended for |
| Past Participle | fended for |
Example
After moving to a new city, she had to fend for herself.
Example
He fends for himself when his parents are away on business trips.
Example
The young man is fending for himself while studying abroad.
Example
During the camping trip, they fended for themselves in the wilderness.
Example
She has fended for herself since she was a teenager.
What kind of phrasal verb is “fend 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
“fend 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 children had to fend for themselves after their parents died.
Example
When I moved out of my parents' house, I learned to fend for myself.
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
“fend 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 children had to fend for themselves after their parents died.
Example
When I moved out of my parents' house, I learned to fend for myself.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “fend for”?
Good things to know
Does “fend for” have an informal or formal tone?
Fend for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as academic or professional discussions.
