file for
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to make an official or legal request for something, like a divorce or a business status.
phrasal verb. to submit a formal application or legal document to a court or authority to initiate a specific process.
The company had to file for bankruptcy last month.
After living apart for three years, the couple finally decided to file for divorce.
The legal team advised the corporation to file for an extension before the midnight deadline to avoid significant financial penalties.
usually followed by a noun representing a legal status or a specific benefit.
contrast with 'apply for' (general) and 'file' (to organize papers); 'file for' is specifically used for legal or official procedures like bankruptcy, divorce, or unemployment.
They filed for to get a divorce.They filed for divorce.the phrase is followed by a noun, not an infinitive verb phrase.
Last updated April 24, 2026