What are the definitions of “go forth”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Leave a place.
He WENT FORTH and found a wife in another city.
- 2Travel abroad, leave a place.
They WENT FORTH to spread the word of the new religion.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go forth”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go forth is to leave a place or to start a journey. It is often used when someone is leaving to do something important or to start a new adventure.
What are the different verb forms of “go forth”?
| Root Verb | go forth |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes forth |
| Present Participle | going forth |
| Simple Past | went forth |
| Past Participle | gone forth |
Example
The hero went forth to fight the dragon.
Example
Every morning, she goes forth to the market to buy fresh produce.
Example
He is going forth to spread the good news.
Example
They went forth to explore the new land.
Example
The explorers had gone forth into the unknown.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go forth”?
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.)
Intransitive verb
“go forth” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The king went forth to meet his people.
Example
The soldiers went forth into battle.
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 forth” 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
The king went forth to meet his people.
Example
The soldiers went forth into battle.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go forth”?
Good things to know
Does “go forth” have an informal or formal tone?
Go forth is a somewhat formal and old-fashioned phrasal verb. It is often used in literature, religious texts, or formal speeches. In everyday conversation, people are more likely to use simpler terms like 'go', 'leave', or 'set out'.
