1 B1 idiomatic neutral
For money or resources to be used as part of the funding or achievement of something.
"All profits from this event will go towards building a new community centre."
inseparable
go towards
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
For money, effort, or resources to be used as part of a contribution to a larger goal or fund.
In plain English
When money or effort helps pay for or build up something bigger.
What does "go towards" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
For effort, time, or work to contribute partially to achieving a result.
"Years of practice went towards making her the pianist she is today."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To move in the direction of something.
Actually means
When money or effort helps pay for or build up something bigger.
Usage tip
Very commonly used in financial and charitable contexts. Also used more broadly for effort or time contributing to a result. American English uses 'go toward' (without the final 's').
Words that pair with "go towards"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
cost fund charity expenses prize money salary
How to conjugate "go towards"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
go towards
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes towards
he/she/it
Past simple
went towards
yesterday
Past participle
gone towards
have + pp
-ing form
going towards
continuous
Hear "go towards" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "go towards" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
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