# file for

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to make an official or legal request for something, like a divorce or a business status.

For teachers: to submit a formal application or legal document to a court or authority to initiate a specific process.

## Examples

- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They filed for to get a divorce." but "They filed for divorce." — the phrase is followed by a noun, not an infinitive verb phrase.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a noun representing a legal status or a specific benefit.
- Teaching tip: 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.

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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.