What Does “Gun for sth” Mean?
“Gun for sth” means to aim for or try very hard to get something, often with strong determination or ambition.
Introduction
The phrase “gun for sth” is commonly used in English to express a strong desire or effort to achieve a goal or obtain something. The “sth” stands for “something,” so it can be replaced by any noun. This phrasal verb often implies that the person is actively pursuing their target, sometimes with a competitive or aggressive attitude. Understanding the gun for sth meaning helps learners express ambition or determination clearly in both formal and informal situations. Whether you’re talking about a job, prize, or opportunity, using “gun for sth” correctly will make your English sound more natural and confident.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: gun for sth (gun for something)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to try hard to get or achieve something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Gun for sth” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it requires an object (something you want to get or achieve).
It is inseparable, so you cannot place the object between “gun” and “for.”
- Correct: She is gunning for the promotion.
- Incorrect: She is gunning the promotion for.
Pattern: Subject + gun(s) for + something
How to Use “Gun for sth”?
Use “gun for sth” when you want to describe someone making a strong effort or showing clear ambition to obtain a specific thing. It works well with goals like jobs, awards, positions, or opportunities.
It often implies competition or determination and is mostly used in informal or conversational English.
Examples
When talking about someone aiming for a goal, “gun for sth” fits perfectly. Here are some examples:
- He is gunning for the top sales award this year.
- They are gunning for a spot in the national team.
- She gunned for the job at the tech company and got it.
- Many students are gunning for scholarships to study abroad.
- Our team is gunning for the championship title.
These sentences show how “gun for sth in a sentence” expresses ambition and effort clearly.
Common Mistakes
Sometimes learners confuse the structure or meaning of “gun for sth.” Here are some common errors and how to fix them:
- Incorrect: She is gunning the promotion for.
- Correct: She is gunning for the promotion.
- Incorrect: They are gunning to win the prize.
- Correct: They are gunning for the prize.
- Incorrect: I gun for get the job.
- Correct: I am gunning for the job.
Remember, always put the object after “for” and use the correct verb form.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrases include “go for,” “aim for,” and “fight for,” but there are slight differences:
- Gun for sth: Strong, sometimes aggressive effort to get something.
- Go for sth: General attempt or decision to try for something.
- Aim for sth: Set a goal or target to achieve something.
- Fight for sth: Struggle or compete intensely to keep or get something.
Use “gun for sth” when you want to emphasize ambition and active pursuit, often in competitive situations.
Common Collocations
“Gun for” is often used with goals or achievements. Here are common collocations:
- Gun for a job: Try hard to get employment.
- Gun for a promotion: Aim to be promoted at work.
- Gun for a prize/award: Compete to win a prize.
- Gun for a position: Work hard to get a specific role.
- Gun for a scholarship: Try to obtain financial aid for studies.
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of gun for sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a natural conversation using “gun for sth”:
Anna: Are you applying for the manager position?
Tom: Yes, I’m really gunning for it. It’s a great opportunity.
Anna: That’s great! I’m sure your hard work will pay off.
Practice
Try to complete the sentences with the correct form of “gun for sth”:
- She is ________ the lead role in the play.
- They are ________ the championship this season.
- He plans to ________ a promotion at his company.
- Many students ________ scholarships to study abroad.
(Answers: gunning for, gunning for, gun for, are gunning for)
FAQs
- What does “gun for sth” mean? It means to try hard or aim to get something.
- Is “gun for sth” formal or informal? It is mostly informal and used in everyday English.
- Can I separate “gun” and “for”? No, “gun for” is an inseparable phrasal verb.
- What types of things can I “gun for”? Jobs, awards, promotions, positions, and opportunities.
- Is “gun for” used in British or American English? It is common in both but more informal in American English.
