What Does “Go for sth” Mean?
“Go for sth” means to choose, try, or attempt something. It is often used when someone decides to take action or select an option.
Introduction
The phrasal verb “go for sth” is common in everyday English and has several related meanings. Primarily, it means to choose or try to get something, whether it is a job, an object, or an opportunity. It can also mean to attack or support something depending on the context. Understanding the “go for sth meaning” helps learners use it naturally in conversations. This phrase is useful when expressing decisions, preferences, or actions in informal and formal situations. By learning how to use “go for sth,” you can improve your English fluency and sound more natural.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: go for sth (go for something)
- Type: Transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: To choose, try to get, or attempt something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
“Go for sth” is a separable phrasal verb because you can place the object (something) after “go for.” The structure is:
- Subject + go for + something (e.g., She went for the red dress.)
- It is always followed by an object (something).
Note: “sth” stands for “something” and should be replaced by a noun or pronoun.
How to Use “Go for sth”?
You use “go for sth” when you want to say that someone chooses or tries to get something. It can describe decisions, attempts, or preferences. For example, you can say “I will go for the chicken” when choosing food or “He decided to go for the promotion” when trying to get a job position. It is also used when encouraging someone to try or attack, like “Go for the goal!”
Examples
Here are some natural sentences using “go for sth in a sentence”:
- She decided to go for the blue shoes instead of the black ones.
- If you want to succeed, you have to go for your dreams.
- They went for the cheaper option to save money.
- He is going for a new job next month.
- Don’t hesitate—go for it!
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse “go for sth” with other phrasal verbs or use it incorrectly in sentences. Here are some examples:
- Incorrect: I go for to the store.
- Correct: I go for groceries at the store.
- Incorrect: She go for the answer.
- Correct: She goes for the right answer.
Remember, “go for sth” needs an object, and the verb form must match the subject.
Differences / Synonyms
“Go for sth” is similar to “choose,” “try for,” or “opt for,” but there are differences. “Choose” means to pick one option. “Try for” focuses on attempting to get something, usually a goal. “Opt for” is more formal and means to select an option.
For example:
- “She went for the red dress.” (chose)
- “He is trying for a promotion.” (attempting)
- “They opted for a cheaper hotel.” (selected formally)
“Go for sth” can be more casual and versatile than these synonyms.
Common Collocations
Some common objects used with “go for” include:
- Go for a job: Try to get a position at work
- Go for a choice: Select an option
- Go for a goal: Attempt to achieve a target
- Go for a prize: Try to win an award
- Go for a walk: Take a walk (note: here “go for” is used with a noun but has a slightly different meaning)
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of go for sth:
Real-life Dialogue
Here is a short conversation using “go for sth”:
Anna: What dessert will you go for?
Ben: I think I’ll go for the chocolate cake.
Anna: Good choice! I’m going for the ice cream.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “go for”:
- She decided to ________ the blue jacket instead of the black one.
- Are you going to ________ the promotion at work?
- They usually ________ the cheaper flights when traveling.
- Don’t be afraid to ________ your dreams.
FAQs
- What does “go for sth” mean? It means to choose or try to get something.
- Is “go for sth” separable? Yes, you can separate “go for” and the object.
- Can “go for” be used without an object? Usually, no. It needs an object like “something.”
- Is “go for sth” formal or informal? It is mostly informal but can be used in formal contexts.
- What are some synonyms of “go for sth”? Choose, try for, opt for.
