What are the definitions of “live for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Believe something is extremely important.
He LIVES FOR football.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “live for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb live for is to believe that something is extremely important or to be very passionate about something. It means that a person's life revolves around a particular activity, interest, or person.
What are the different verb forms of “live for”?
| Root Verb | live for |
| Third Person Singular Present | lives for |
| Present Participle | living for |
| Simple Past | lived for |
| Past Participle | lived for |
Example
She lives for her children and their happiness.
Example
He lives for playing the guitar and performing on stage.
Example
They are living for the day they can travel the world together.
Example
She lived for her career and achieved great success.
Example
He had lived for his art, dedicating his life to painting.
What kind of phrasal verb is “live 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
“live 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
She lives for her family.
Example
He lives for football.
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
“live 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 lives for her family.
Example
He lives for football.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “live for”?
Good things to know
Does “live for” have an informal or formal tone?
Live 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 writing or speeches, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “live for”?
Synonyms
- devote oneself to
- be passionate about
- focus on
- center one's life around
- be dedicated to
