Phrasal verbs "go at" vs "go to"

Differences between go at and go to

Go at usually means to attack or criticize someone or something, whereas go to generally means to move towards a specific location or to start doing something.

Meanings and Definitions: go at vs go to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Go at

• 1. Attack or approach something with vigour.

  She WENT AT her dinner like she hadn't eaten for days.

Go to

• 1. Allocate money.

  About half of my income GOES TO pay the mortgage.

Usage Examples: go at, go to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

go at

Example

He decided to go at the problem with a new strategy.

Example

She goes at her homework as soon as she gets home from school.

go to

Example

A large portion of my salary goes to paying bills.

Example

A significant part of his income goes to rent.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go at

lash out

To suddenly and angrily criticize or attack someone or something.

Example

He lashed out at his boss after receiving negative feedback on his performance.

take on

To confront or challenge someone or something.

Example

She decided to take on the difficult task of organizing the charity event.

jump down someone's throat

To react angrily or defensively to someone's comment or action.

Example

He jumped down her throat when she suggested a different approach to the project.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go to

head to

To move towards a specific location or destination.

Example

We need to head to the airport soon if we want to catch our flight.

start on

To begin doing something or working on a task.

Example

I need to start on my homework before it gets too late.

get into

To begin doing or becoming involved in something.

Example

She decided to get into yoga to improve her flexibility and reduce stress.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “go”

• go before
• go in for
• go down with
• go in
• go out

Phrasal Verbs with “at”

• gnaw at
• leap at
• swing at
• toy at
• throw yourself at

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

• gear to
• warm to
• key to
• grow to
• reduce to

Differences in go at vs go to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: go at or go to?

In daily conversation, people use go to more often than go at. This is because go to is used for more common activities such as going to work or school. Go at is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about attacking or criticizing someone or something. So, while both phrases are used, go to is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go at and go to

Go at and go to are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of go at and go to

The tone of go at and go to can differ based on context. Go at often carries an aggressive or confrontational tone when related to attacking or criticizing, while go to typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to going somewhere or starting an activity.

go at & go to: Synonyms and Antonyms

Go at

Synonyms

• attack
• approach
• tackle
• begin
• start
• embark on
• set about
• launch into
• get down to

Antonyms

• avoid
• ignore
• neglect
• overlook
• shirk
• dodge
• evade
• sidestep

Go to

Synonyms

• allocate
• spend
• dedicate
• devote
• assign
• designate
• allot
• apportion
• distribute
• divert

Antonyms

• save
• retain
• hold
• keep
• preserve
• reserve
• withhold
• conserve
• maintain
• sustain