head for
phrasal verb.phrasal verb. to move in a particular direction or toward a specific place.
phrasal verb. to move toward a destination or a specific state of affairs; the particle 'for' indicates the intended goal or direction.
We should head for the station now.
If the rain starts, everyone will head for the nearest shelter.
The company is heading for a financial crisis if they do not reduce their spending immediately.
- go toward
- make for
- aim for
- set out for
- Particles
- for
- Separability
- inseparable
- Pattern
- head + for + object
usually followed by a physical destination or a figurative outcome.
contrast with 'head to' (which focuses on the destination itself) versus 'head for' (which often implies the start of the journey or a needed destination).
They headed for to the beach.They headed for the beach.the preposition 'for' already indicates direction, so 'to' is redundant and incorrect.
Last updated April 24, 2026