we headed for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we headed for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a direction or destination that a group is moving towards. Example: "After a long day of hiking, we headed for the nearest campsite to set up our tents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

We headed for Third Avenue.

The New Yorker

Then we headed for the country.

The New Yorker

We headed for the Point.

The New York Times - Sports

Are we headed for The Hunger Games?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The next morning we headed for Gatorland.

The New York Times - Travel

After Taormina, we headed for Syracuse.

The New York Times - Travel

We headed for open moorland down dauntingly narrow lanes.

Independent

Finally we headed for the sewers, the piece de resistance.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Are we heading for an "emojipocalpyse"?

Independent

Are we heading for a trade war?

The Guardian

Are we heading for the Osborne boom?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to choose a more descriptive alternative if precision or nuance is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "we headed for" when a more specific verb like "drove", "flew", or "walked" would provide clearer information about the mode of transportation. For example, instead of "We headed for the airport", use "We drove to the airport" or "We flew to the airport."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we headed for" functions as a verb phrase indicating movement or direction towards a specific destination. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is a grammatically correct way to describe initiating a journey or progression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we headed for" is a grammatically sound and very commonly used verb phrase that effectively communicates movement towards a specific destination. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in "News & Media" sources, its neutral register allows for broad application. When aiming for precision or a change of style, consider alternatives such as "we made our way to" or "we set out for". While "we headed to" may be used colloquially, "we headed for" is the preferred choice in formal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we made our way to

Emphasizes the process of moving towards a destination, often implying a deliberate or planned journey.

we set out for

Highlights the beginning of a journey or expedition towards a particular place.

we departed for

Focuses on the act of leaving one place to go to another, emphasizing the departure point.

we journeyed to

Implies a longer or more significant trip, often with a sense of adventure or exploration.

we proceeded toward

Suggests a formal or orderly movement in a specific direction.

we advanced to

Implies progress or movement forward, often in a strategic or planned manner.

we moved in the direction of

A more descriptive alternative, emphasizing the direction of travel.

we aimed for

Suggests a goal or target, implying a strategic decision to move towards a specific objective.

we turned toward

Focuses on a change in direction, indicating a specific place or object becoming the new focus.

we gravitated toward

Implies a natural or instinctive pull towards a particular place or thing.

FAQs

How can I use "we headed for" in a sentence?

The phrase "we headed for" indicates that a group of people moved towards a specific location or destination. For example, "After the meeting, we headed for lunch." It's commonly used to describe the direction someone or a group of people went.

What can I say instead of "we headed for"?

You can use alternatives like "we made our way to", "we set out for", or "we departed for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "we headed to" instead of "we headed for"?

While "we headed to" might be used in informal speech, "we headed for" is generally considered more grammatically correct and is more widely accepted in formal writing. "For" specifies the destination more clearly.

What's the difference between "we headed for" and "we aimed for"?

"We headed for" typically indicates physical movement towards a location. "We aimed for" suggests a goal or objective, which may or may not involve physical movement. For example, "We headed for the beach" means we physically went to the beach, while "We aimed for a promotion" means we had a goal of getting a promotion.