To head for a place means to start going towards it.
Example
A: Where are you going after lunch?
B: I’m heading for the beach if the weather stays sunny.
Tell it apart
Same verb · different particle
“head” phrasal verbs
Same verb, different particle, different meaning. Learn these 4 one at a time, then test yourself.
4 phrasal verbslisten & quiz
to start going somewhere, especially to leave a place and begin a journey.
Example
A: Are you leaving already?
B: Yeah, I need to head off or I'll miss my train.
Tell it apart
I'll head off home now.
We headed off a crisis.
To leave a place, usually to go somewhere or do something.
Example
A: Do you want another coffee?
B: No, thanks. I'd better head out. I've got a train to catch.
Tell it apart
To head towards a place means to move in its direction, without saying that you will reach it.
Example
A: Which way did the dog go?
B: It ran off and headed towards the park. Let's go after it.
Tell it apart
Fill the gap
Which “head” fits?
Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.
Turn this into speaking practice
Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.