1 B2 idiomatic informal
To enjoy or habitually take part in an activity or interest.
"I don't really go in for team sports — I prefer running alone."
inseparable
go in for
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To enjoy or regularly participate in an activity, or to enter a competition.
In plain English
To enjoy doing something regularly, or to enter a contest.
What does "go in for" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To formally enter or compete in an examination or competition.
"She decided to go in for the regional piano competition."
inseparable
Usage tip
Primarily British English. Two main senses: (1) to have a liking for or regularly do a type of activity; (2) to formally enter a competition or exam. The first sense is often used in the negative (e.g., 'I don't really go in for that sort of thing').
Words that pair with "go in for"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
sports competitions cooking that sort of thing marathons exams
How to conjugate "go in for"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
go in for
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes in for
he/she/it
Past simple
went in for
yesterday
Past participle
gone in for
have + pp
-ing form
going in for
continuous
Hear "go in for" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "go in for" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "go in for"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.