Browse all

go for

A2 neutral inseparable transitive
In simple words

To try to get or do something, or to choose something, or to attack.

Literal meaning: To physically go and fetch something — most extended senses branch naturally from this idea.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To choose something, or to decide in favour of a particular option.

"I couldn't decide between the two dresses, so I went for the red one."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 neutral

To try to achieve or obtain something.

"She's going for a promotion this year."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To attack someone or something physically.

"The dog suddenly went for the postman."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B2 idiomatic neutral

To be sold at a particular price.

"Houses in this area are going for over half a million pounds."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Very common across all varieties of English. Used in multiple contexts: making a choice, attempting to achieve something, attacking, being sold for a price, and being attracted to a type of person. 'Go for it' is a fixed encouraging expression.

Commonly used with

gold promotion job deal jugular type walk run

Forms

Base
go for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes for
he/she/it
Past simple
went for
yesterday
Past participle
gone for
have + pp
-ing form
going for
continuous

Understand "go for" better

Try:

Real video examples

Video examples are being collected. Check back soon.

Synonyms

choose try for opt for aim for attack pursue

Want to master this phrasal verb?

Practice "go for" on Looplines