What are the definitions of “send for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Ask someone to come and help.
I had to SEND FOR a plumber because the radiator was leaking.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “send for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb send for is to ask someone to come and help or provide a service. For example, it can mean calling a doctor to come and treat a sick person, or asking a mechanic to come and fix a broken car.
What are the different verb forms of “send for”?
| Root Verb | send for |
| Third Person Singular Present | sends for |
| Present Participle | sending for |
| Simple Past | sent for |
| Past Participle | sent for |
Example
When the car broke down, we had to send for a mechanic.
Example
She sends for a doctor when her child is sick.
Example
He is sending for a plumber to fix the leaky faucet.
Example
Yesterday, they sent for a technician to repair the computer.
Example
The manager had sent for an electrician to check the wiring.
What kind of phrasal verb is “send 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
“send 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 sent for a doctor when her child was sick.
Example
He sent for a plumber to fix the leaky faucet.
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
“send 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 sent for a doctor when her child was sick.
Example
He sent for a plumber to fix the leaky faucet.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “send for”?
Good things to know
Does “send for” have an informal or formal tone?
Send 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 business or professional situations.
