English Reference

Phrasal verb

send for

Definition

phrasal verb. To ask someone to come to you because you need their help or a service. You can also use it to ask for something to be delivered to your house.

phrasal verb. To summon a person or request that an object be brought to one's location. This phrasal verb is transitive and inseparable, requiring the object to follow the particle 'for'.

Examples

“If the pain gets worse, we will send for a doctor.”

“The hotel manager sent for a technician after the elevator stopped working during the busy morning shift.”

“Upon discovering the ancient manuscript was a forgery, the museum director immediately sent for the lead investigator to begin a formal inquiry.”

Examples

simple

“If the pain gets worse, we will send for a doctor.”

contextual

“The hotel manager sent for a technician after the elevator stopped working during the busy morning shift.”

complex

“Upon discovering the ancient manuscript was a forgery, the museum director immediately sent for the lead investigator to begin a formal inquiry.”

Usage

This phrase is often used with professional roles like doctors, police, or repair workers.

Teaching tip

Explain that 'send for' implies the speaker is staying put and waiting for the person or thing to arrive.

Pitfall

I sent the doctor when I felt sick.

I sent for the doctor when I felt sick.

Without 'for', the sentence means you dispatched the doctor to another location instead of summoning them to yourself.

Phrasal verb

Particles

for

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

send + for + object

Synonyms

summoncall forrequestorder

Antonyms

dismisssend away

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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
Level
B2 · Upper Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference