What are the definitions of “go for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Attack.
The neighbour's dog WENT FOR the postman and bit him.
- 2Be attracted to.
She tends to GO FOR guys like him.
- 3Choose, select.
I'll GO FOR the soup of the day, followed by the duck.
- 4Try to get.
The player WENT FOR the ball but missed.
- 5Have something favourable.
The play didn't have much GOING FOR IT and we left halfway through.
- 6Pass for or serve as.
It's a couch that also GOES FOR a bed.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go for is to choose or select something. For example, it can mean choosing a dish from a menu, selecting a color for a room, or picking a movie to watch.
What are the different verb forms of “go for”?
| Root Verb | go for |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes for |
| Present Participle | going for |
| Simple Past | went for |
| Past Participle | gone for |
Example
I will go for the blue dress for the party.
Example
She always goes for the vegetarian option at restaurants.
Example
He is going for the gold medal in the competition.
Example
Yesterday, they went for a walk in the park.
Example
The opportunity has gone for now.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go for”?
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 for” 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 for the red apple.
Example
He goes for a run every morning.
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 for” 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 for the red apple.
Example
He goes for a run every morning.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go for”?
Good things to know
Does “go for” have an informal or formal tone?
Go for 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 everyday conversations. For example, in a casual conversation, one might say, 'I think I'll go for the chocolate cake.' In a more formal context, such as a business meeting, one might say, 'We've decided to go for the new marketing strategy.'
