Phrasal verbs "go off" vs "go to"

Differences between go off and go to

Go off usually means to explode or make a loud noise suddenly, while go to generally means to travel or move to a specific place.

Meanings and Definitions: go off vs go to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Go off

  • 1Explode ( bomb ), start ringing ( alarm ).

    The fire alarm WENT OFF because someone was smoking in the toilets.

  • 2Go bad.

    The milk WENT OFF because I forgot to put it in the fridge.

  • 3Start to dislike.

    I WENT OFF her when she lied to me.

  • 4Leave a place.

    Please don't GO OFF until we have sorted this out.

  • 5Take place, follow a plan or pattern.

    The party WENT OFF well.

  • 6Stop working ( electric / electronic equipment ).

    The lights GO OFF automatically when the office is empty.

Go to

  • 1Allocate money.

    About half of my income GOES TO pay the mortgage.

Usage Examples: go off, go to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

go off

Example

The fire alarm will go off if there is smoke.

Example

The bomb goes off at the end of the movie.

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 off

blow up

To explode or burst suddenly.

Example

The fireworks blew up in a spectacular display of colors and sounds.

To cause something to explode or start suddenly.

Example

The smoke detector set off a loud alarm when it detected smoke in the kitchen.

To suddenly express or show a strong emotion or reaction.

Example

She burst out laughing when she saw the funny meme her friend sent her.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go to

head to

To travel or move towards a specific destination.

Example

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

make one's way to

To travel or move towards a specific destination, often with effort or difficulty.

Example

After getting lost a few times, we finally made our way to the top of the mountain.

To travel or move towards a specific destination, often with a sense of adventure or excitement.

Example

They decided to journey to a remote island for their honeymoon and explore its natural beauty.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Phrasal Verbs with “to”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: go off or go to?

In daily conversation, people use go to more often than go off. This is because go to is used for more common activities such as going to work, school, or the store. Go off is less common and is mainly used to describe sudden loud noises like alarms or fireworks.

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

Go off and go to are both 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 off and go to

The tone of go off and go to can differ based on context. Go off often carries a surprised or alarmed tone when related to sudden loud noises, while go to typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to traveling or moving to a specific place.

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