
head for
"head for" 是英语中常用的动词短语,核心含义为“朝……进发”或“前往某地”,强调明确的方向性和目的性。其用法灵活,既可以表示实际的物理移动,也可用于抽象语境描述趋势或结果。
表示物理移动
指朝着具体目的地行进,常与地点名词搭配。例如:
We decided to uproot and head for Scotland.(我们决定迁往苏格兰)
Several times a year, the couple would load their cameras and head for mustang country.(这对夫妇每年都会几次带着相机前往野马栖息地)
此时,"head for" 可与 "leave for" "set out for" 替换,但更强调动态过程。
抽象含义:趋向某种结果
用于描述事件或行为朝着特定趋势发展,尤指负面结果。例如:
If we continue this way, we're heading for disaster.(若照此发展,我们将走向灾难)
Baptism does not unite every baptized person head for head to Christ.(浸礼不会使每个受浸者都与基督逐一联合)(此处 "head for head" 为固定搭配,意为“逐一地”)
地点类:后接具体场所或方向,如 head for the hills(逃往山区)、head for the exit(走向出口)。
能力类:与 "have a head for" 结构搭配,表示“擅长……”,如:
With your head for figures, you should go in for accountancy.(你善于计算,应从事会计工作)
I don't have a head for business.(我没有商业头脑)
head for vs. head to/towards
"head for" 强调目的地,如 head for Paris(前往巴黎);
"head to/towards" 侧重方向,不明确终点,如 head towards the river(朝河边走去)。
时态与语态
主动语态:She heads for the post.(她走向柱子)
被动语态:美式英语中可用 "be headed for",如 We are headed for trouble.(我们正陷入麻烦)。
| 语境 | 例句 |
|---|---|
| 日常出行 | After breakfast, we'll head for the national park.(早餐后我们前往国家公园) |
| 职业建议 | You have a head for languages—why not study translation?(你擅长语言,为何不学翻译?) |
| 警告或预测 | Driving so fast on icy roads, you're heading for an accident.(结冰路面开这么快,你是在自找麻烦) |
避免冗余:无需在 "head for" 后加 "to",如不可说 "head for to the station"。
口语化表达:在非正式语境中可简化为 "head + 副词",如 head home(回家)、head north(向北走)。
从具体行程到抽象能力,"head for" 以简洁结构覆盖了丰富场景。掌握它,既能准确描述 "After work, I head for the gym"(下班后去健身房)的日常,也能表达 "His risky investments are heading for failure"(他的高风险投资终将失败)的预判,堪称“小词大用”的典范。