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."
inseparable
go for
A2 neutral inseparable transitive
To choose, attempt, attack, or be attracted to something or someone.
In plain English
To try to get or do something, or to choose something, or to attack.
What does "go for" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To try to achieve or obtain something.
"She's going for a promotion this year."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
To attack someone or something physically.
"The dog suddenly went for the postman."
inseparable
4 B2 idiomatic neutral
To be sold at a particular price.
"Houses in this area are going for over half a million pounds."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically go and fetch something — most extended senses branch naturally from this idea.
Actually means
To try to get or do something, or to choose something, or to attack.
Usage tip
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.
Words that pair with "go for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
gold promotion job deal jugular type walk run
How to conjugate "go for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "go for" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "go for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "go for"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
aim for attack choose opt for pursue try for
Keep exploring
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