What Does โSend for sthโ Mean?
โSend for sthโ means to ask someone to bring or deliver something, usually by making a request or ordering it.
Introduction
The phrase โSend for sthโ is a common phrasal verb in English that means to request or order something to be brought to you. This could be a person, object, or service. For example, you might send for a doctor if someone is ill, or send for a package you ordered online. Understanding the Send for sth meaning helps learners use it naturally in conversations and writing. It is useful in everyday situations where you need to ask for help or items to be delivered or brought to your location.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: send for something (sth)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to ask for someone or something to be brought to you
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โSend for sthโ is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means the verb and the particle โforโ always stay together. The object (something or someone) follows the entire phrase.
Correct patterns:
- send for + noun (send for the doctor)
- send for + pronoun (send for him)
You cannot separate โsendโ and โforโ by placing the object between them.
How to Use Send for sth?
Use โsend for sthโ when you want to request something or someone to come or be delivered. It often implies urgency or necessity. Common contexts include medical help, items you need urgently, or services you want to order.
Example contexts:
- Medical emergencies: send for a doctor or ambulance
- Ordering items: send for a book or a package
- Asking for help: send for assistance or a mechanic
Examples
When my grandmother felt sick, we immediately sent for the doctor. It was important to get help quickly.
- She sent for a taxi to get to the airport on time.
- They sent for the electrician to fix the power outage.
- We sent for the waiter when we were ready to order.
- He sent for his lawyer after receiving the letter.
These examples show how to use Send for sth in a sentence naturally.
Common Mistakes
People often confuse the word order or use the wrong preposition. Here are some incorrect and correct examples:
- Incorrect: I sent the doctor for.
- Correct: I sent for the doctor.
- Incorrect: She sent for to fix the problem.
- Correct: She sent for help to fix the problem.
Remember, โsendโ and โforโ must stay together, and the object follows them.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include โcall forโ and โask for,โ but they are used differently.
- Send for means to request something to be brought or come.
- Call for often means to demand or require something.
- Ask for means to request something verbally or politely.
Example: You send for a doctor; you call for calm; you ask for a favor.
Common Collocations
Here are common things you can send for, with their meanings:
- Doctor: medical professional
- Ambulance: emergency vehicle
- Mechanic: person who repairs machines
- Taxi: car for hire
- Package: parcel or delivery
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of send for sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Imagine you are at home and suddenly someone feels unwell.
Anna: He looks really sick. Should we send for a doctor?
John: Yes, Iโll send for one right now.
Anna: Good idea. I hope help arrives quickly.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of โsend forโ:
- If the fire gets worse, we must _______ the fire brigade immediately.
- She _______ her parents when she needed help moving.
- They _______ a plumber to fix the leak.
- When he lost his keys, he _______ a locksmith.
FAQ
- Q: Can you separate โsendโ and โforโ in a sentence?
A: No, โsend forโ is inseparable. The object comes after the phrase. - Q: Is โsend forโ formal or informal?
A: It is neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: Can โsend forโ be used with people?
A: Yes, commonly with people like doctors, mechanics, or help. - Q: What is the difference between โsend forโ and โask forโ?
A: โSend forโ means to request someone or something to come or be brought; โask forโ is a general request. - Q: Can โsend forโ be used in the past tense?
A: Yes, for example, โI sent for a taxi yesterday.โ
