Phrasal Verbs with “Go”

Here’s the ultimate list of phrasal verbs with “go.”

“Go after” Meaning and Examples

Go after – Meaning 1

To follow someone, to chase someone.

Example

After the fight, she left the room, and he went after her to apologize.

After the fight, she left the room, and he followed her to apologize.

Go after – Meaning 2

To try to get something, to compete for something.

Example

That scholarship is a great opportunity, so I am going to go after it.

That scholarship is a great opportunity, so I am going to try to get it.

“Go against” Meaning and Examples

To oppose something or someone, to not agree with something.

Example

The new rules go against what we had previously agreed to. We cannot allow it.

The new rules oppose what we had previously agreed to. We cannot allow it. 

People are going against the government for their latest measures.

People are opposing the government for their latest measures. 

“Go ahead” Meaning and Examples

Go ahead – Meaning 1

To continue doing something, to start doing something. 

Example

Sorry, I’m late! Please go ahead with the class. I didn’t mean to interrupt.

Sorry, I’m late! Please continue with the class. I didn’t mean to interrupt.

Go ahead and eat before we go. I don’t want you to be hungry on the road.

Start eating before we go. I don’t want you to be hungry on the road.

Go ahead – Meaning 2

To go somewhere before someone else you are with.

Example

I know I said we would go home together, but I still have things to finish here. Go ahead and I will meet you there.

I know I said we would go home together, but I still have things to finish here. Go before me and I will meet you there.

“Go all out” Meaning and Examples

To use all of one’s resources for a purpose, to make a maximum effort.

Example

We need to go all out if we want to stop this pandemic.

We need to use all of our resources if we want to stop this pandemic.

“Go along” Meaning and Examples

Go along – Meaning 1

To happen, to continue.

Example

After they solved the initial problems, the party went along as expected.

After they solved the initial problems, the party continued as expected.

Go along – Meaning 2

To go somewhere with someone, to accompany someone.

Example

My girlfriend is going to move to another country. I think I will go along. Why would I stay here?

My girlfriend is going to move to another country. I think I will go with her. Why would I stay here?

“Go around” Meaning and Examples

Go around – Meaning 1

To visit someone or someplace.

Example

I went around last night, but nobody answered the door. I guess they went dining or something.

I visited them last night, but nobody answered the door. I guess they went dining or something. 

Go around – Meaning 2

To act some way among people, to behave.

Example

You need to stop going around gossiping about people. It is not polite. 

You need to stop acting like that and gossiping about people. It is not polite.

Go around – Meaning 3

To be spread, to fly around, to be around, normally used with information or diseases.

Example

Coronavirus has been going around for too long. It needs to be controlled.

Coronavirus has been around for too long. It needs to be controlled. 

Go around – Meaning 4

To spend time with someone, to be together with someone.

Example

Susie and Jenny used to be great friends. They would go around for hours every day. 

Susie and Jenny used to be great friends. They would be together for hours every day. 

Go around – Meaning 5

To move in circles.

Example

Johnny! Stop going around the table now! Come and sit with me.

Johnny! Stop moving in circles around the table now! Come and sit with me.

I think we are lost. We have been going around for hours and we have not found the hotel.

I think we are lost. We have been moving in circles for hours and we have not found the hotel. 

“Go at” Meaning and Examples

Go at – Meaning 1

To attack, physically or verbally. 

Example

In the middle of the party, Josh and Laura started getting at each other and fighting. It was awful.

In the middle of the party, Josh and Laura started attacking each other and fighting. It was awful.

Go at – Meaning 2

To do something with enthusiasm. It can substitute many verbs as long as it conveys an idea of performing an action with enthusiasm and energy.

Example

I will get at this book and I will finish it soon! Thanks for the gift!

I will read this book and I will finish it soon! Thanks for the gift!

They got at the dinner, and it was really delicious! Then enjoyed cooking together. 

They cooked dinner, and it was really delicious! They enjoyed cooking together.

“Go away” Meaning and Examples

Go away – Meaning 1

To move far from someone or someplace.

Example

The dog was barking so the thieves went away. They could not enter the house.

The dog was barking so the thieves moved far from it. They could not enter the house.

Jake was so annoying today that I had to go away. I could not stand him any longer.

Jake was so annoying today that I had to move far from him. I could not stand him any longer.

Go away – Meaning 2

To disappear, to end, to stop existing.

Example

All our problems will go away when we can return to our normal lives.

All our problems will disappear when we can return to our normal lives.

“Go back” Meaning and Examples

Go back – Meaning 1

To return to something, to return to doing something, to return to school.

Example

I left my wallet so I had to go back to the house to look for it.

I left my wallet so I had to return to the house to look for it.

He had to go back to exercising outside because he could no longer afford the gym.

He had to return to exercising outside because he could no longer afford the gym.

In Fall, students normally go back to school.

In Fall, students normally return to school.

Go back – Meaning 2

To have started in the past.

Example

We have known Jerry for ages. Our friendship goes way back!

We have known Jerry for ages. Our friendship started in the past!

“Go by” Meaning and Examples

Go by – Meaning 1

To pass, normally referring to time. 

Example

The class went by really fast. That’s how you can tell he is a good teacher.

The class passed really fast. That’s how you can tell he is a good teacher. 

Go by – Meaning 2

To be named or known as something other than your name. 

Example

My name is Penny, but I go by Cinderella when I’m on the stage.

My name is Penny, but I am called Cinderella when I’m on stage.

Go by – Meaning 3

To go past someplace. To move past or in front of some place.

Example

She went by the classroom, but Jason was not there. She could not find him anywhere.

She moved past the classroom, but Jason was not there. She could not find him anywhere. 

“Go down” Meaning and Examples

Go down – Meaning 1

To move down, to fall, to sink.

Example

The Titanic goes down at the end of the movie.

The Titanic sinks at the end of the movie.

They thought the plane was going to go down, but the pilot managed to land it.

They thought the plane was going to fall, but the pilot managed to land it. 

Go down – Meaning 2

To decrease, to become less.

Example

The price of the stocks went down due to the economic crisis.

The price of the stocks decreased due to the economic crisis. 

Go down – Meaning 3

To be remembered, to become part of history.

Example

Hitler will go down as a terrible dictator who caused a world war.

Hitler will be remembered as a terrible dictator who caused a world war.

Go down – Meaning 4

To eat, to swallow.

Example

Some pills don’t go down as easily as others. I hate when they stay in your mouth.

Some pills aren’t swallowed as easily as others. I hate when they stay in your mouth.

Go down – Meaning 5

To be defeated, to lose, normally used in sports.

Example

FC Barcelona went down 8-2 to Bayern Munich. It was a terrible match for Barcelona fans.

FC Barcelona lost 8-2 to Bayern Munich. It was a terrible match for Barcelona fans. 

“Go for” Meaning and Examples

Go for – Meaning 1

To try to achieve something.

Example

Both teams will clash as they go for the championship.

Both teams will clash as they try to achieve the championship.

Go for – Meaning 2

To like something, to select something.

Example

That is not the type of music I go for, to be honest. Could we listen to something else?

That is not the type of music I like, to be honest. Could we listen to something else?

Go for – Meaning 3

To select or choose something.

Example

She never knows what dish to go for when we order at the restaurant.

She never knows what dish to choose when we order at the restaurant.

Go for – Meaning 4

To attack.

Example

When cats are fighting, they normally go for the eyes.

When cats are fighting, they normally attack the eyes.

Go for – Meaning 5

To be valid, to apply.

Example

All students must attend today’s meeting, and the same goes for the teachers.

All students must attend today’s meeting, and the same is valid for the teachers.

“Go in” Meaning and Examples

Go in – Meaning 1

To enter a place.

Example

The police knocked on the door, but nobody answered. They decided to go in.

The police knocked on the door, but nobody answered. They decided to enter. 

Go in – Meaning 2

Used with the moon and the sun, to be blocked by clouds.

Example

It was so cloudy that the sun went in.

It was so cloudy that the sun was blocked by clouds.

“Go into” Meaning and Examples

Go into – Meaning 1

To start doing something such as work or study.

Example

After a long time thinking about his future, Andy went into medicine.

After a long time thinking about his future, Andy started studying medicine. 

Go into – Meaning 2

To worsen, to change status to a bad one.

Example

After the accident, the driver went into a coma and ultimately died. 

After the accident, the driver worsened into a coma and ultimately died. 

Go into – Meaning 3

To talk about something in detail, to discuss something thoroughly.

Example

We wanted to know what happened, but she didn’t want to go into it.

We wanted to know what happened, but she didn’t want to talk about it in detail. 

Go into – Meaning 4

To be spent.

Example

Half of my salary goes into paying the bills. I live in an expensive city.

Half of my salary is spent paying the bills. I live in an expensive city.

Go into – Meaning 5

To crash, to hit something.

Example

The car went straight into the big tree. It was a miracle that he didn’t die.

The car crashed against the big tree. It was a miracle that he didn’t die. 

“Go off” Meaning and Examples

Go off – Meaning 1

To explode.

Example

The police managed to deactivate the bomb before it went off.

The police managed to deactivate the bomb before it exploded.

Go off – Meaning 2

To stop working, normally used with electrical power.

Example

After the earthquake, the lights went off for 24 hours. It was difficult for us.

After the earthquake, the lights stopped working for 24 hours. It was difficult for us.

Go off – Meaning 3

To leave a place to go somewhere specific, to go to do something. 

Example

He went off to Africa for his vacation. He said it was a great trip.

He left for Africa for his vacation. He said it was a great trip.

I will go off to buy some milk. Do you need something from the store?

I will go to buy some milk. Do you need something from the store?

Go off – Meaning 4

To start sounding, to start making noise.

Example

My alarm goes off every morning at 6 am. 

My alarm starts sounding every morning at 6 am. 

Go off – Meaning 5

Used with food and drinks, to go bad, to rot, to stop being fresh.

Example

I forgot to eat the bananas and now they have gone off. I have to discard them.

I forgot to eat the bananas and now they have rotten. I have to discard them.

Go off – Meaning 6

To become bad, to lose quality, to worsen.

Example

Hey Jona! Your essays have gone off lately. Are you okay?

Hey Jona! Your essays have lost quality lately. Are you okay?

Go off – Meaning 7

To stop liking something.

Example

After having long hair for a long time, she went off it and had it cut.

After having long hair for a long time, she stopped liking it and had it cut.

Go off – Meaning 8

To become angry.

Example

He really went off when he discovered she had cheated on him.

He really became angry when he discovered she had cheated on him. 

“Go on” Meaning and Examples

Go on – Meaning 1

To continue.

Example

Sorry to have interrupted. Please go on with the lesson.

Sorry to have interrupted. Please continue with the lesson. 

I cannot go on working like this. I’m really tired.

I cannot continue working like this. I’m really tired. 

Go on – Meaning 2

To happen.

Example

What is going on here? What is all this noise?

What is happening here? What is all this noise?

Go on – Meaning 3

To go on holiday, to go on strike, to go on sale, to go on a diet. All the previously mentioned forms refer to starting something.

Example

We decided to go on holiday to Japan. We wanted to discover a new culture.

We decided to start a holiday in Japan. We wanted to discover a new culture. 

The workers went on strike due to the bad working conditions. 

The workers started a strike due to the bad working conditions. 

When the winter is ending, stores normally go on sale. Winter clothes are sold cheaper.

When the winter is ending, stores normally start a sale. Winter clothes are sold cheaper.

The doctor advised her to go on a diet. She needed to improve her health.

The doctor advised her to start a diet. She needed to improve her health. 

Go on – Meaning 4

To start taking some medicine or drug.

Example

His pains were so strong that he needed to go on morphine to alleviate them. 

His pains were so strong that he needed to go on morphine to alleviate them. 

Go on – Meaning 5

To talk a lot.

Example

He went on for about one hour until I faked receiving a phone call and left.

He talked for about one hour until I faked receiving a phone call and left.

“Go out” Meaning and Examples

Go out – Meaning 1

To leave your place to go do something fun.

Example

I like going out with my friends on weekends. We normally go dancing.

I like leaving my place to go do something with my friends on weekends. We normally go dancing. 

Go out – Meaning 2

To have a romantic relationship with someone. 

Example

We’ve been going out for four months now. I really like her.

We’ve been having a romantic relationship for four months now. I really like her. 

Go out – Meaning 3

To stop burning or creating light.

Example

When it started raining, the fire went out. We had to go somewhere else.

When it started raining, the fire stopped burning. We had to go somewhere else.

“Go over” Meaning and Examples

Go over – Meaning 1

To check something, to practice something, to repeat something. 

Example

Let’s go over the lyrics of the song one more time. That way, you will not forget them. 

Let’s check the lyrics of the song one more time. That way, you will not forget them.

Go over – Meaning 2

To move towards some place.

Example

He went over to the window to watch the snow.

He moved toward the window to watch the snow.

“Go through” Meaning and Examples

Go through – Meaning 1

To thoroughly check or examine something. 

Example

In today’s class, we will go through all the grammar topics we studied last week.

In today’s class, we will check all the grammar topics we studied last week.

Go through – Meaning 2

To be officially accepted.

Example

My papers went through and I got admitted into Stanford!

My papers were accepted and I got admitted into Stanford!

Go through – Meaning 3

To experience something, normally negative.

Example

You wouldn’t believe the stress I’ve been going through. I need to hand in the essay soon. 

You wouldn’t believe the stress I’ve been experiencing. I need to hand in the essay soon. 

Go through – Meaning 4

To spend or use up something until there is no more left.

Example

Josh went through all his money in just a couple of weeks and then he had nothing left for the rest of the month.

Josh spent all his money in just a couple of weeks and then he had nothing left for the rest of the month. 

“Go towards” Meaning and Examples

To use money to pay or support something, to be used to afford or cover some expenses. 

Example

The money raised in the gala will go towards different charity organizations.

The money raised in the gala will be used to support different charity organizations. 

“Go under” Meaning and Examples

Go under – Meaning 1

Similar to go down. To sink.

Example

The ship went under due to the storm. Luckily, everybody survived.

The ship sank due to the storm. Luckily, everybody survived.

Go under – Meaning 2

To fail, to stop working, normally used with businesses.

Example

Due to the pandemic, many small businesses have gone under. They could not survive the crisis.

Due to the pandemic, many small businesses have stopped working. They could not survive the crisis. 

Go under – Meaning 3

To become unconscious due to anesthesia.

Example

After they administer the anesthesia, I went under, and the doctor started operating.

After they administer the anesthesia, I became unconscious, and the doctor started operating.

“Go up” Meaning and Examples

Go up – Meaning 1 

To increase.

Example

Unfortunately, the Covid cases are going up. We will need to be confined soon.

Unfortunately, the Covid cases are increasing. We will need to be confined soon. 

Go up – Meaning 2

To be built, to be erected, to be created.

Examples

A new hotel is going up on the coast. It will be beautiful when it is finished.

A new hotel is being built on the coast. It will be beautiful when it is finished. 

Go up – Meaning 3

To burn.

Example

The whole house went up in flames. The firefighters could not control it. 

The whole house burnt. The firefighters could not control it. 

“Go with” Meaning and Examples

Go with – Meaning 1

To come included with something else.

Example

Does my new position go with a better parking spot? My car is very far right now.

Does my new position include a better parking spot? My car is very far right now. 

Go with – Meaning 2

To combine, to look good together.

Example

Do you think these shoes go with this dress? I’m not sure about it.

Do you think these shoes combine with this dress? I’m not sure about it.

Go with – Meaning 3

To choose something.

Example

Although all ideas are good, we will go with Jason’s for this project.

Although all ideas are good, we will choose Jason’s for this project. 

“Go without” Meaning and Examples

To be or end up without something needed.

Example

There was a blackout and we went without power for three days. 

There was a blackout and we were without power for three days.