Particle guide
Phrasal verbs with for
The particle for starts from one core idea — a link from an action or thing to its goal, person, purpose, reason, or result. Sink In groups its verbs by the recurring ways that idea plays out, so verbs that look unrelated line up into patterns.
26 phrasal verbs · 9 meaning groups
Usual Meaning
The verb keeps its usual meaning. FOR links it to a target, choice, cause, person, or thing.
Usual verb + particle uses
The verb keeps its normal meaning. The particle adds its usual direction or relation.
aim for
Try to achieve a particular result
“The team is aiming for first place.”
“Aim for thirty minutes of exercise each day.”
ask for
Request something from someone
“Maya asked for oat milk at the cafe counter.”
“Lea asked for a glass of water.”
“Ask for help if you need it.”
care for
Provide regular help and attention to someone or something
“He cares for his elderly father.”
“Volunteers cared for the injured birds.”
fight for
Work very hard to protect or gain something important
“Workers fought for safer conditions.”
“She fought for her right to stay.”
look for
Try to find someone or something
“Maya looked for the shopping centre map while she waited for Leo at the cafe.”
“Maya looked for her work pass beside the front door.”
“Police looked for the missing cyclist.”
opt for
Choose an option after considering the choices
“Leo opted for a small coffee after comparing the cafe sizes.”
“Leo opted for the smaller backpack after comparing both shop models.”
“They opted for the train instead of flying.”
“Maya opted for a smaller flat.”
pay for
Give money to cover the cost of something
“Leo paid for both coffees at the cafe counter.”
“Maya paid for the red scarf at the shop counter.”
“Who paid for the tickets?”
“The company paid for the repairs.”
provide for
Supply the money or things that someone needs
“She works hard to provide for her children.”
“The farm provides for three families.”
reach for
Move your hand toward something to take or touch it
“Omar reached for his coat.”
“She reached for the light switch.”
speak for
Represent the views or interests of someone else
“I cannot speak for the whole team.”
“A union member spoke for the workers.”
vote for
Support a person or proposal in a vote
“Most members voted for the plan.”
“I voted for the local candidate.”
wait for
Stay until someone or something arrives or happens
“Maya and Leo waited for security to check their names in the club queue.”
“Maya is waiting for the results.”
work for
Be employed by a person or organisation
“She works for a small bank.”
“I once worked for Maya.”
Requesting
A person makes a request: someone should come, an item should be brought, or an action should happen.
Moving Directly Toward
A person moves directly toward a place, person, or thing.
Choosing
A person chooses one option.
Representation
A sign has a meaning, or a person or thing is accepted as another identity.
Accepting
A person accepts something they would normally reject: a worse choice, bad behaviour, or a false story.
What Is Needed
A need requires action, is included in a plan, or is met by a service.
Cause And Result
FOR connects a result with the thing that creates or explains it.
Love
A person begins to feel strong romantic love for someone.
Sink In — iOS & Android
Practice the for patterns in Sink In
The app turns each meaning group into short review cards: recognition, particle cloze, meaning-to-particle recall, and schema matching.
- Learn the pattern behind dozens of verbs at once — not one-off translations.
- Spaced repetition (SM-2) brings each meaning back right before you forget.
- Four practice modes train recall and discrimination, not just recognition.
