# enter for

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/enter-for
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to sign up for a competition or an exam so that you can take part in it.

For teachers: to register a name for a competition, examination, or contest; typically transitive and often used in the context of formal assessments or sporting events.

## Examples

- I want to enter for the marathon this year.
- The school decided to enter all its top students for the national math competition to boost its reputation.
- Despite her initial hesitation regarding the rigorous syllabus, she eventually decided to enter for the advanced diploma in architectural history.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He entered to the race." but "He entered for the race." — the preposition 'for' is required when the object is a competition or exam you intend to participate in.

## Usage notes

- commonly used with exams, races, or formal competitions as the object.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'enter' (to go inside); 'enter for' specifically implies the act of registration or application for a challenge.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.