# head for

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to move in a particular direction or toward a specific place.

For teachers: to move toward a destination or a specific state of affairs; the particle 'for' indicates the intended goal or direction.

## Examples

- 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "They headed for to the beach." but "They headed for the beach." — the preposition 'for' already indicates direction, so 'to' is redundant and incorrect.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a physical destination or a figurative outcome.
- Teaching tip: 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).

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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.