Since English was introduced in the world, it has become one of the most frequently spoken languages of the world. It was first introduced in the mid-5th to 7th centuries AD in Britain and is ranked at 1 with a population of 1.35 billion speakers.
As we observe today, there are 2 major accents of English the US accent and the UK Accent.
Whether you speak any language, we agree that knowing the difference between similar words and phrases is important.
We all know that English literature consists of some words and phrases that are uncommon, lengthy, and short, and some words are very similar and have similar pronunciations but are not the same.
Among these, there are 2 phrases I’m heading to and heading for, which seem to be similar but are not the same due to their differences.
The phrase ‘I’m heading to’ means that you are expecting to get to a place immediately and promptly. Whereas the phrase ‘I’m heading for’ means you are going somewhere but there is a small chance that you are able to reach that place or make a stop along the way.
This is just one difference, there is a lot to know below. So, stick with me until the end as I go through all the distinctions and usage.
What do you mean by ‘I’m Heading To’?
‘I’m heading to’ is a phrase that is used when you are expecting to go somewhere immediately and promptly, this type of phrase is mostly used to specify a destination.
It says we’re going somewhere specific and won’t stop or deviate from our path for whatever reason.
We show our direct aim when we use “heading to.” Our goal has already been established, and we want the individuals with whom we are communicating to grasp it. The overall approach should always take a more intentional course, which means we will not intentionally deviate or alter directions.
How to use the phrase ‘I’m Heading To’?
You can use the phrase in several ways, and you must be familiar with them to use them correctly. Below are some examples that will give you a better understanding of the usage of the phrase ‘I’m heading to’. Let’s take a look at them.
- “Tashtego reported that the whales had gone down. So I’m heading to leeward. We certainly hope to see them again face to face before our bows.”
- “Sent off the 9-12 favorite after achieving second in the Thyestes Chase, The Midnight Club advanced strongly for Paul Townend and was bang there, at the moment when I’m heading to the final barrier.”
- “The Oceania champions also play a friendly and fairly with Espanyol, I’m just heading to Morocco, a game that means a lot to Tribulietx, a Catalonian.”
- “At the same time, despite the anorexic pickings currently being offered to us, we still need to honor and give respect to our duty as loyal citizens by heading to the polls on Election Day.”
- “At the time when I’m heading to today’s game at Wandella, you would be happy to know that the rain was unsuccessful in turning Wandella Road into a sticky wicket.”
- “The front cut-outs on the bonnet have been sealed completely, and air now courses through the spoiler before I was heading to the brake ducts for more cooling.”
- “Paxman begins by heading to India, where maharajahs and local soldiers helped a handful of British traders to take over vast areas of land in India in the Revolt of 1857.”
- “A Border Force sniffer dog found out the male stowaways beating in a lorry when I’m heading to Chester Road, Castle Bromwich.”
- “We would often complete a night there with a group of ten or so of us, I’m heading to my place laden with bags of chips and 2 bottles of coke.”
Is it ‘Heading for’ or ‘Headed for’?
It depends on the situation there is an equally subtle difference between these 2 phrases, you can certainly use these 2 but headed is more passive and heading is more active.
Suppose you are a traveler or a passenger in a vehicle, and you are following a guide or leader rather than navigating yourself. In that case, you will probably use ‘headed to’, and if you are a driver of a vehicle and you are driving, you are most likely to use ‘heading to’.
What do you mean by ‘I’m Heading For’?
‘Heading for’ is a phrase that refers to you going in a direction or route, and there is a small chance or possibility that you are not going to make your destination or making stops along the destination; this type of phrase usually doesn’t specify any direction.
As you can see, ‘heading for’ is a considerably broader phrase. We’re expressing our want to go there, but we don’t mind if anything changes, maybe changing our path. We may stop at more locations along the way or take a more picturesque route.
It’s also more typical to use this term when we had planned to go someplace, but it’s no longer an option. For example, the third statement above depicts a blocked road. In this context, ‘heading for’ is preferable to ‘heading to’.
How to use the phrase ‘I’m Heading For?
You can use the phrase ‘I’m heading for’ in many ways. You must be familiar with it to ensure its correct usage in any formal or informal conversation and write-up.
Below are some examples of how to use the phrase ‘I’m heading for’:
- “Most are following a well-worn way, I’m heading for those people who know they will be given temporary housing or work.”
- “Joe succeeded in avoiding the cobbles 8 months ago by crashing 10 yards before they started, breaking a wrist, whereas I’m heading for the team car and an early bath.”
- “The chain has thrown a rescue to the two main trademarks, saving them from joining the list of household names already heading for the scrapheap.”
- “But Sarah had already risen clear, and as I’m heading for a breadth of virgin black clover, which to an overtired bee is as relaxing as normal knitting to a woman.”
- “It’s powering under naked poles on a day which is standard for all sail aloft, and unless I’ve forgotten what she looks like, that’s surely Crusty Lady Lily heading for the Gap.”
- “Thousands of my friends, companions, and brothers-in-arms had packed up their VW vans with anything they could smoke and were heading for the taller ground.”
- “Fifty years after the American Federation of Labor united with the Congress of Industrial Organizations, the U.S. labor campaign may be heading for a breakup.”
- “Although this would usually be as I’m heading for the hills, there is more than enough oddity and amusement to balance it out.”
- “A joyful and pleased audience hit the streets at seventeen to twenty, heading for car parks, bus stops, and the railway station.”
- “He notices I’m heading for the park. my siblings haven’t been involved in any mischief, nor have they created the mess in your room.”
How to use “to” and “for”?
The phrases ‘I’m heading to‘ and ‘I’m heading for’ include the word ‘to’ and ‘for’. These words are important in their meanings and usage, allowing us to use other phrases correctly.
If you’re talking about the reason or purpose behind doing something but not the actual giving use the word ‘for’. When you’re talking about someone receiving directly (the person who receives something) then use the word ‘to’.
To know more about how to use ‘to’ and ‘for’, check out this video below which will give you a better understanding of these two words.
‘Heading to’ vs. ‘heading for’: Are they the same?
Although they are very similar and have almost the same pronunciation, both phrases differ. The distinction between these phrases is mentioned below.
| Heading To | Heading For |
| Includes the word ‘to’ | Includes the word ‘for’ |
| It specifies a destination | It doesn’t specify a destination |
| It is used when you or something is expected to go somewhere immediately | It is used when you are going in a direction and there is a small chance that you are not going to make up to your destination |
Wrapping Things Up
- English is one of the most widely spoken languages globally, with over 1.35 billion speakers.
- There are two major accents of English: the US accent and the UK accent.
- Understanding the differences between similar words and phrases in English is essential.
- “Heading to” and “heading for” may seem similar but have distinct meanings.
- “Heading to” implies going to a specific destination promptly.
- ‘Heading for’ suggests going in a direction. In this phrase, there is a possibility of failing to reach the intended destination.
- The choice between these phrases depends on the context. It also depends on the level of certainty about reaching the destination.
- Using these phrases correctly is essential for conveying the intended meaning accurately.