English Reference

Phrasal verb

root for

Definition

phrasal verb. to show support for a person or a team because you want them to win or succeed. You use this when you are a fan of someone in a competition or a difficult situation.

phrasal verb. to express strong support or hope for the success of a person, team, or organization. This is an inseparable phrasal verb that requires the preposition 'for' to introduce the object of support.

Examples

“I always root for the home team during the playoffs.”

“Even though she moved to London, she still roots for her favorite baseball team back in New York.”

“The entire nation seemed to root for the underdog candidate, whose unexpected rise challenged the long-standing political establishment.”

Examples

simple

“I always root for the home team during the playoffs.”

contextual

“Even though she moved to London, she still roots for her favorite baseball team back in New York.”

complex

“The entire nation seemed to root for the underdog candidate, whose unexpected rise challenged the long-standing political establishment.”

Usage

This phrase is mostly used in sports but can apply to any personal struggle or competition.

Teaching tip

Explain that while 'cheer' describes the physical act of shouting, 'root for' describes the emotional state of wanting someone to win.

Pitfall

I am rooting the blue team.

I am rooting for the blue team.

the verb 'root' must be followed by the preposition 'for' to link to the object.

Phrasal verb

Particles

for

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

root + for + object

Synonyms

supportcheer forbackside with

Antonyms

opposeroot against

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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