What are the definitions of “front for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Represent someone, especially when covering illegal or wrongful activities.
The solicitor FRONTS FOR a number of criminal gangs.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “front for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb front for is to represent someone or something, often in a way that hides illegal or wrongful activities. It is usually used when someone acts as a cover or a facade for another person or group.
What are the different verb forms of “front for”?
| Root Verb | front for |
| Third Person Singular Present | fronts for |
| Present Participle | fronting for |
| Simple Past | fronted for |
| Past Participle | fronted for |
Example
She fronts for the illegal organization.
Example
He fronts for the criminal gang.
Example
They are fronting for the corrupt politicians.
Example
She fronted for the illegal business last year.
Example
He had fronted for the crime syndicate before he was arrested.
What kind of phrasal verb is “front 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
“front 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
The lawyer fronted for the criminal organization.
Example
She fronted for the illegal gambling ring.
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
“front 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 lawyer fronted for the criminal organization.
Example
She fronted for the illegal gambling ring.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “front for”?
An organization that appears to be legitimate but is actually used to conceal illegal activities.
Example
The charity was a front organization for the drug cartel.
Good things to know
Does “front for” have an informal or formal tone?
Front for is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in news reports, legal documents, and everyday conversations when discussing illegal activities or cover-ups.
