Can "go for sb" mean to attack someone?

Yes, it often means to attack or try to hit someone.

Is "go for sb" separable?

No, it is inseparable; you must keep "go for" together.

Can "go for sb" mean to choose someone?

Yes, it can mean selecting or choosing someone for a role.

What level is "go for sb" suitable for?

It is usually taught at the intermediate (B1) level.

How is "go for sb" different from "go after sb"?

"Go after sb" focuses more on chasing, while "go for sb" can mean attacking or choosing.

Go for sb Meaning, Examples & How to Use the Phrasal Verb

What Does “Go for sb” Mean?

“Go for sb” means to try to get or attack someone, or to choose someone for a particular purpose. It is often used in informal English to describe pursuing or targeting a person.

Introduction

The phrase go for sb is a common phrasal verb in English that has several related meanings depending on the context. Understanding the go for sb meaning helps learners use it correctly in conversations and writing. Often, it means to attack or try to harm someone physically, but it can also mean to choose or select someone for a task, opportunity, or competition. This versatility makes it useful in everyday English. Knowing how to use “go for sb” naturally will improve your speaking and comprehension skills.

Quick Info Box

Phrasal verb: go for somebody
Type: transitive
Level: B1 (Intermediate)
Short meaning: to try to get, attack, or choose someone

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Go for sb” is a transitive phrasal verb, which means it needs an object (somebody).

It is inseparable: you cannot put anything between “go” and “for.”
Correct pattern: go for + somebody
Incorrect: go somebody for

Examples:

They decided to go for him in the debate.
Don’t go for her during the argument.

How to Use “Go for sb”?

You can use “go for sb” when talking about trying to get someone’s attention, attacking someone, or choosing someone for a role or task. The context clarifies the meaning. For example, in sports, “go for sb” means to compete against them. In a fight, it means to attack them physically. In job interviews, it can mean selecting a candidate.

Examples

Here are some natural examples to show how “go for sb” is used in sentences:

During the match, the boxer went for his opponent with a strong punch.
She decided to go for the manager position at her company.
The dog suddenly went for the stranger in the park.
In the election, the candidate went for his rival in the debate.
They chose to go for Sarah to lead the project.

These examples show how “go for sb” can mean attacking, choosing, or competing with someone.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse the word order or use the phrase incorrectly. Here are some common mistakes:

Incorrect: I will go him for the job.
Correct: I will go for him for the job.
Incorrect: She went for attack him.
Correct: She went for him in the attack.

Remember, “go for” must be followed immediately by the person (sb) without changing the order.

Differences / Synonyms

“Go for sb” is similar to some other phrasal verbs and expressions but has unique uses. For example:

Go after sb: Often means to chase or pursue someone, sometimes physically or in competition.
Go at sb: Usually means to attack someone physically or verbally.
Choose sb: More formal than “go for sb” when selecting someone.

The difference is that “go for sb” can mean both attacking and choosing, depending on context. “Go after sb” focuses more on pursuit, and “go at sb” emphasizes attack.

Common Collocations

Here are some common objects used with “go for sb” and their meanings:

Go for a player: Choose or attack a player in sports.
Go for a candidate: Select a person for a job or position.
Go for an opponent: Compete against or attack someone.
Go for a target: Aim to hit or attack someone.

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of go for sb:

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “go for sb” naturally:

Anna: Did you see the boxer go for his opponent in the last round?

Ben: Yes, he really went for him with some strong punches.

Anna: Also, are they going to go for Sarah for the team leader role?

Ben: I think so. She’s the best choice.

Practice

Try these exercises to test your understanding of “go for sb”:

Choose the correct sentence:

a) She went for him in the competition.
b) She went him for in the competition.
c) She went for in him the competition.

Fill in the blank:

During the fight, the dog suddenly _______ the stranger.

FAQs

Q: Can “go for sb” mean to attack someone?
A: Yes, it often means to attack or try to hit someone.
Q: Is “go for sb” separable?
A: No, it is inseparable; you must keep “go for” together.
Q: Can “go for sb” mean to choose someone?
A: Yes, it can mean selecting or choosing someone for a role.
Q: What level is “go for sb” suitable for?
A: It is usually taught at the intermediate (B1) level.
Q: How is “go for sb” different from “go after sb”?
A: “Go after sb” focuses more on chasing, while “go for sb” can mean attacking or choosing.