What Does “Send for sb” Mean?
“Send for sb” means to ask someone to come, usually by sending a message or a person to bring them.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “send for sb” is commonly used in English to describe the action of requesting that someone be brought to a particular place. This often happens in situations where immediate help or attention is needed, such as calling a doctor, a mechanic, or a family member. Understanding the “send for sb meaning” helps learners use this phrase correctly in conversations, letters, and more formal contexts. It’s a practical expression that appears frequently in everyday English.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: send for somebody
- Type: transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Meaning: to ask someone to come by sending a message or person
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Send for sb” is an inseparable phrasal verb. You cannot put the object between “send” and “for.”
Correct pattern: send for + somebody
Incorrect pattern: send somebody for
How to Use Send for sb?
Use “send for sb” when you want to ask someone to come to a place, often urgently or officially. It is often used in formal or semi-formal situations.
Example contexts include sending for a doctor during an emergency or sending for a technician to fix a problem.
Examples
When my grandmother felt ill, we sent for the doctor immediately.
- I will send for the plumber to fix the leak.
- They sent for the manager to discuss the problem.
- After the accident, someone sent for an ambulance.
- She sent for her lawyer to handle the case.
- We sent for the electrician as soon as the lights went out.
These examples show “send for sb in a sentence” used naturally in everyday and professional situations.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the word order or use the wrong preposition.
- Incorrect: I sent the doctor for.
- Correct: I sent for the doctor.
- Incorrect: She sent for to the nurse.
- Correct: She sent for the nurse.
Remember, “for” always follows “send” directly.
Differences / Synonyms
“Send for sb” is similar to “call sb” or “fetch sb,” but there are differences:
- Call sb: to contact someone by phone or shout for them.
- Fetch sb: to go and bring someone physically.
- Send for sb: to ask someone to come, usually by sending a message or person.
For example, you might “call the doctor” by phone or “send for the doctor” by asking a nurse to bring them.
Common Collocations
People often use “send for” with certain common nouns. These collocations are useful to know:
- Send for a doctor: ask a doctor to come
- Send for help: request assistance
- Send for the police: request police presence
- Send for a mechanic: ask a mechanic to come
- Send for a lawyer: request a lawyer’s presence
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of send for sb:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “send for sb”:
Anna: The baby is very sick. What should we do?
Tom: I’ll send for the doctor right now.
Anna: Please hurry! We need help immediately.
Practice
Choose the correct sentence:
- a) I sent for the nurse to check on my mother.
- b) I sent the nurse for to check on my mother.
- c) I sent nurse for to check on my mother.
Correct answer: a)
FAQ
- Q: Can I say “send for someone” in all situations?
A: It’s best used when you want to request someone to come, often in emergencies or formal contexts. - Q: Is “send for” separable?
A: No, “send for” is inseparable; the object always comes after “for.” - Q: What is the difference between “send for” and “call”?
A: “Send for” means to request someone to come, usually by sending a message. “Call” can mean contacting by phone or shouting. - Q: Can I use “send for” with objects?
A: No, “send for” is used with people only. - Q: Is “send for help” correct?
A: Yes, “send for help” means to request assistance.
