What are the definitions of “toss for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make a decision by throwing a coin and seeing which side lands face up.
We TOSSED FOR who would start.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “toss for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb toss for is to make a decision by flipping a coin and seeing which side lands face up. This method is often used when two people cannot agree on something or when they want to make a fair decision.
What are the different verb forms of “toss for”?
| Root Verb | toss for |
| Third Person Singular Present | tosses for |
| Present Participle | tossing for |
| Simple Past | tossed for |
| Past Participle | tossed for |
Example
They couldn't decide who would go first, so they tossed for it.
Example
She tosses for the last piece of pizza with her friend.
Example
They are tossing for who will start the game.
Example
Yesterday, they tossed for who would do the dishes.
Example
The decision had been tossed for and he won.
What kind of phrasal verb is “toss 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
“toss 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
They tossed for who would start.
Example
We tossed for the last slice of pizza.
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
“toss 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
They tossed for who would start.
Example
We tossed for the last slice of pizza.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “toss for”?
Toss a coin
Flipping a coin to make a decision, similar to *toss for*.
Example
When they couldn't agree, they decided to toss a coin to settle the matter.
Toss-up
A situation where the outcome is uncertain or evenly balanced.
Example
The game was a toss-up until the very last minute.
Toss in
To casually add something to a conversation or situation.
Example
She tossed in a few suggestions during the meeting.
Good things to know
Does “toss for” have an informal or formal tone?
Toss for is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in casual conversations. In more formal settings, it might be more appropriate to use phrases like 'decide by flipping a coin' or 'determine by chance' instead.
