What are the definitions of “go at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Attack or approach something with vigour.
She WENT AT her dinner like she hadn't eaten for days.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go at is to attack or approach something with a lot of energy or enthusiasm. For example, it can mean eating food quickly because you are very hungry, or working hard on a task because you are very determined.
What are the different verb forms of “go at”?
| Root Verb | go at |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes at |
| Present Participle | going at |
| Simple Past | went at |
| Past Participle | gone 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.
Example
They are going at the project with all their might.
Example
Yesterday, he went at the task with great enthusiasm.
Example
The team has gone at the challenge with full force.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go at”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“go at” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She went at her dinner like she hadn't eaten for days.
Example
He went at the problem until he found a solution.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“go at” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She went at her dinner like she hadn't eaten for days.
Example
He went at the problem until he found a solution.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go at”?
Good things to know
Does “go at” have an informal or formal tone?
Go at is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal speech and writing. For example, in a formal report, you might prefer to use 'approach' or 'attack' instead of go at.
