What Does โGo for sthโ Mean?
โGo for sthโ 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 โgo for sthโ 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 โgo for sth meaningโ 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 โgo for sth,โ 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)
โGo for sthโ is a separable phrasal verb because you can place the object (something) after โgo for.โ The structure is:
- Subject + go for + something (e.g., She went for the red dress.)
- It is always followed by an object (something).
Note: โsthโ stands for โsomethingโ and should be replaced by a noun or pronoun.
How to Use โGo for sthโ?
You use โgo for sthโ 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 โI will go for the chickenโ when choosing food or โHe decided to go for the promotionโ when trying to get a job position. It is also used when encouraging someone to try or attack, like โGo for the goal!โ
Examples
Here are some natural sentences using โgo for sth in a sentenceโ:
- 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.
- Donโt hesitateโgo for it!
Common Mistakes
Many learners confuse โgo for sthโ 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, โgo for sthโ needs an object, and the verb form must match the subject.
Differences / Synonyms
โGo for sthโ is similar to โchoose,โ โtry for,โ or โopt for,โ but there are differences. โChooseโ means to pick one option. โTry forโ focuses on attempting to get something, usually a goal. โOpt forโ is more formal and means to select an option.
For example:
- โShe went for the red dress.โ (chose)
- โHe is trying for a promotion.โ (attempting)
- โThey opted for a cheaper hotel.โ (selected formally)
โGo for sthโ can be more casual and versatile than these synonyms.
Common Collocations
Some common objects used with โgo forโ 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 โgo forโ 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 โgo for sthโ:
Anna: What dessert will you go for?
Ben: I think Iโll go for the chocolate cake.
Anna: Good choice! Iโm going for the ice cream.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of โgo forโ:
- 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.
- Donโt be afraid to ________ your dreams.
FAQs
- What does โgo for sthโ mean? It means to choose or try to get something.
- Is โgo for sthโ separable? Yes, you can separate โgo forโ and the object.
- Can โgo forโ be used without an object? Usually, no. It needs an object like โsomething.โ
- Is โgo for sthโ formal or informal? It is mostly informal but can be used in formal contexts.
- What are some synonyms of โgo for sthโ? Choose, try for, opt for.
