What are the definitions of “gun for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Try to destroy an opponent.
He's GUNNING FOR his rivals at work.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “gun for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb gun for is to try to destroy or defeat an opponent, often in a competitive situation. It can be used to describe someone's actions or intentions to outperform or eliminate their rivals.
What are the different verb forms of “gun for”?
| Root Verb | gun for |
| Third Person Singular Present | guns for |
| Present Participle | gunning for |
| Simple Past | gunned for |
| Past Participle | gunned for |
Example
She is always gunning for the top position in her class.
Example
He guns for the promotion at work.
Example
They are gunning for the championship title this year.
Example
Last year, she gunned for the lead role in the play.
Example
He had always gunned for success in his career.
What kind of phrasal verb is “gun 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.)
Transitive verb
“gun for” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She gunned for the top position in her class.
Example
He gunned for the promotion at work.
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
“gun 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
She gunned for the top position in her class.
Example
He gunned for the promotion at work.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “gun for”?
Good things to know
Does “gun for” have an informal or formal tone?
Gun for is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal settings or written documents. In more formal contexts, alternatives such as 'aim for,' 'pursue,' or 'strive for' may be more appropriate.
