Phrasal Verbs with “Go”: A Comprehensive Guide for English Learners
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English, and those with the verb “go” are particularly common. Understanding these phrasal verbs will help you sound more natural in both spoken and written English. Below is a detailed list of phrasal verbs with “go,” their meanings, examples, and exercises to test your knowledge.
1. Go after
Meaning: To pursue or chase someone or something.
- The police went after the thief.
- She went after her dream of becoming a doctor.
- He went after the job despite the competition.
2. Go ahead
Meaning: To proceed or give permission to do something.
- “Can I start the presentation?” – “Yes, go ahead.”
- They went ahead with the plan despite the risks.
- She went ahead and booked the tickets.
3. Go along (with)
Meaning: To agree with or support someone or something.
- He decided to go along with his friend’s idea.
- I went along with the decision to avoid conflict.
- She didn’t really agree but went along anyway.
4. Go around
Meaning: To circulate or be sufficient for everyone.
- There weren’t enough chairs to go around.
- A rumor is going around the office.
- Make sure the food goes around to all the guests.
5. Go back
Meaning: To return to a place or previous state.
- She went back to her hometown after years abroad.
- Let’s go back to the previous topic.
- He went back to his old habits.
6. Go by
Meaning: To pass (time) or follow something (e.g., rules, names).
- Years went by before they met again.
- We should go by the rules.
- She goes by her middle name.
7. Go down
Meaning: To decrease, sink, or be recorded.
- The price of oil went down last month.
- The ship went down in the storm.
- This day will go down in history.
8. Go for
Meaning: To choose, attempt, or attack.
- She went for the blue dress.
- He went for a run every morning.
- The dog went for the intruder.
9. Go off
Meaning: To explode, ring (alarm), or spoil (food).
- The bomb went off at midnight.
- The alarm went off at 6 AM.
- The milk went off because it wasn’t refrigerated.
10. Go on
Meaning: To continue or happen.
- The show must go on.
- What’s going on here?
- He went on talking for hours.
11. Go out
Meaning: To leave home for social reasons or stop burning (fire, light).
- They went out for dinner.
- The candle went out in the wind.
- She went out with friends last night.
12. Go over
Meaning: To review or examine something carefully.
- Let’s go over the details again.
- She went over her notes before the exam.
- The teacher went over the lesson.
13. Go through
Meaning: To experience or examine something thoroughly.
- He went through a difficult time.
- She went through her emails.
- They went through the documents carefully.
14. Go up
Meaning: To increase or rise.
- Prices went up after the inflation.
- The temperature went up suddenly.
- Her confidence went up after the success.
15. Go with
Meaning: To match or accompany.
- This tie goes with the shirt.
- She went with her friend to the party.
- I’ll go with the first option.
Exercises
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb.
- She decided to _____ her dream of becoming a singer. (pursue)
- The meeting _____ for three hours. (continued)
- He _____ his notes before the test. (reviewed)
- The fire _____ because of the rain. (stopped burning)
- Prices _____ after the new tax was introduced. (increased)
Exercise 2: Match the phrasal verb with its meaning.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Go after | a. To agree with |
| Go along with | b. To pursue |
| Go off | c. To explode |
| Go up | d. To increase |
Answer Key
Exercise 1:
- go after
- went on
- went over
- went out
- went up
Exercise 2:
- Go after – b
- Go along with – a
- Go off – c
- Go up – d