What are the definitions of “go into”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Discuss in some detail.
They refused to GO INTO exactly what was wrong.
- 2Enter a profession, hospital, trade, market.
She WENT INTO banking after she'd finished university.
- 3Begin a speech or description.
He WENT INTO a long attack on the way press had handled the issue.
- 4Be dedicated or devoted.
A lot of time and effort WENT INTO this book.
- 5Be contained in a larger number.
Five GOES INTO sixty 12 times.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go into”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go into is to enter a place or a profession. For example, it can mean entering a building, starting a career, or joining a profession.
What are the different verb forms of “go into”?
Root Verb | go into |
Third Person Singular Present | goes into |
Present Participle | going into |
Simple Past | went into |
Past Participle | gone into |
Example
She decided to go into teaching after graduation.
Example
He goes into the office early every morning.
Example
They are going into the meeting room for a discussion.
Example
Yesterday, he went into the bank to deposit some money.
Example
She has gone into the field of medicine.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go into”?
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 into” 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 into the store to buy some groceries.
Example
He went into teaching after finishing his degree.
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 into” 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 into the store to buy some groceries.
Example
He went into teaching after finishing his degree.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go into”?
Good things to know
Does “go into” have an informal or formal tone?
Go into is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In a formal setting, it might be used to discuss entering a profession or starting a business. In an informal setting, it might be used to talk about entering a place or starting a new hobby.