What does the phrasal verb “root for” mean?

What are the definitions of “root for”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Support.

  Everyone was ROOTING FOR Arsenal to win the Champions League.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “root for”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb root for is to support or cheer for someone or something, usually in a competition or challenging situation. It means you want them to succeed or win.

What are the different verb forms of “root for”?

Root Verb	root for
Third Person Singular Present	roots for
Present Participle	rooting for
Simple Past	rooted for
Past Participle	rooted for

Example

I always root for my favorite team during the World Cup.

Example

She roots for her brother when he plays soccer.

Example

We are rooting for our friend who is running a marathon.

Example

Last night, they rooted for their favorite singer on the talent show.

Example

He has always rooted for the underdog in any competition.

What kind of phrasal verb is “root for”?

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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

“root 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

The crowd was rooting for the home team.

Example

We rooted for her during the entire race.

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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

“root 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 crowd was rooting for the home team.

Example

We rooted for her during the entire race.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “root for”?

Root for the underdog

Support the person or team that is less likely to win or succeed.

Example

In sports movies, audiences often root for the underdog to overcome the odds and win.

Root for someone's success

Encourage or support someone's efforts to achieve a goal.

Example

Her family rooted for her success as she pursued her dream of becoming a doctor.

Root for a cause

Support a particular cause or movement.

Example

Many people root for environmental conservation and sustainable living.

Good things to know

Does “root for” have an informal or formal tone?

Root for is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context. However, in most cases, root for is considered an informal phrasal verb used in everyday speech.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “root for”?

Synonyms

• support
• encourage
• back
• champion
• uphold
• applaud
• cheer
• stand by

Antonyms

• oppose
• discourage
• deter
• hinder
• thwart
• obstruct
• disapprove
• undermine