The phrasal verb "head for" is predominantly used in informal contexts, though it can appear in more formal settings as well. It essentially means to move or proceed in the direction of a particular place, often used when beginning a journey or trip ('We should head for the station or we'll miss our train'). This verb is also employed metaphorically to indicate moving towards a certain state or situation ('The company is heading for trouble if they don't improve their sales'). In usage, "head for" is generally accompanied by a direct object, which is usually the destination or the situation being approached. The flexibility of "head for" allows it to be easily adapted across different scenarios, making it a versatile inclusion in both spoken and written English.
B1
PreIntermediate
1. To move in the direction of a specific place or target.
After the meeting, he'll head for the airport to catch his flight.
They decided to head for the mountains to escape the city heat.
2. To be destined or likely to experience a particular situation or result.
With the current economic downturn, many businesses are heading for bankruptcy.
If she continues to work this hard, she's heading for a promotion.