Phrasal verb
be there for
Meanings
To support someone emotionally or practically when they need you.
To attend an event or be present at a place when expected.
Definition
To be there for someone means to support them when they need help or comfort.
"Be there for" means to give someone emotional support, help, or reliability, especially during a difficult time. It often implies listening, showing up, or helping in practical ways. It emphasizes dependability rather than solving everything.
Examples
- I’ll be there for you if you want to talk tonight.
- She was there for her teammate after the tough loss.
- They promised to be there for their neighbors during the power outage.
- He couldn’t be there for the ceremony because his flight was canceled.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes say "be there to someone" instead of the correct "be there for someone."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.