What are the definitions of “go in for”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Enter a competition or sit an exam.
He WENT IN FOR the photography prize, but didn't win.
- 2Support, advocate.
I don't GO IN FOR the claims being made about blogging.
- 3Like, have an interest in.
He GOES IN FOR classical music.
- 4Make a career choice.
Have you thought about GOING IN FOR teaching?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go in for”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go in for is to participate in a competition or take an exam. It is often used when someone decides to try something, especially a competition or test, with the hope of succeeding.
What are the different verb forms of “go in for”?
| Root Verb | go in for |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes in for |
| Present Participle | going in for |
| Simple Past | went in for |
| Past Participle | gone in for |
Example
I decided to go in for the singing competition.
Example
She goes in for every quiz competition at school.
Example
He is going in for the national spelling bee contest.
Example
Last year, they went in for the city marathon.
Example
He has gone in for many talent shows in the past.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go in 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 in 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 in for the dance competition.
Example
He goes in for every quiz at school.
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 in 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 in for the dance competition.
Example
He goes in for every quiz at school.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go in for”?
Good things to know
Does “go in for” have an informal or formal tone?
Go in for is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal and conversational English. For example, in a formal setting, one might say 'participate in' instead of go in for.
