English Phrasal Verbs With “Go”
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English vocabulary, especially for learners aiming to sound more natural in conversation. The verb “go” is one of the most commonly used verbs in English, and it forms many phrasal verbs with different meanings. Below is a comprehensive list of phrasal verbs with “go,” along with their meanings, examples, and exercises to test your understanding.
1. Go after
Meaning: To pursue or chase something (e.g., a goal, a person, or an opportunity).
- She decided to go after her dream of becoming a doctor.
- The police went after the thief as soon as they saw him.
- If you want success, you have to go after it.
2. Go ahead
Meaning: To proceed or give permission to do something.
- You can go ahead and start the meeting without me.
- She asked if she could leave early, and her boss said, “Go ahead.”
- The construction will go ahead as planned.
3. Go along with
Meaning: To agree with or support someone or something.
- I don’t really like the idea, but I’ll go along with it for now.
- He always goes along with whatever his friends suggest.
- She refused to go along with the unfair decision.
4. Go around
Meaning: To circulate or be sufficient for everyone.
- There aren’t enough chairs to go around for all the guests.
- A rumor has been going around the office about layoffs.
- Make sure the food goes around so everyone gets some.
5. Go back
Meaning: To return to a place or previous state.
- I need to go back home to get my wallet.
- After living abroad, she decided to go back to her hometown.
- We can’t go back to the way things were before.
6. Go by
Meaning: To pass (time) or to follow something (e.g., a rule or a name).
- Years went by before they met again.
- He prefers to go by his middle name instead of his first name.
- The judge said they must go by the law.
7. Go down
Meaning: To decrease, fall, or be recorded (also used for events happening).
- Prices have gone down since last year.
- The sun goes down at around 6 PM in winter.
- This match will go down in history as one of the greatest.
8. Go for
Meaning: To choose, attempt, or attack.
- I think I’ll go for the chocolate cake.
- He decided to go for a promotion at work.
- The dog suddenly went for the stranger.
9. Go off
Meaning: To explode, make a sudden noise, or stop working (also used for food spoiling).
- The fireworks went off at midnight.
- The alarm clock went off at 6 AM.
- The milk has gone off; don’t drink it.
10. Go on
Meaning: To continue or happen.
- Please go on with your story; I’m listening.
- What’s going on here? Why is everyone shouting?
- The show must go on, no matter what.
11. Go out
Meaning: To leave home for social reasons or to stop burning (fire, light).
- We go out for dinner every Friday.
- The candle went out when the wind blew.
- She went out with friends last night.
12. Go over
Meaning: To review, examine, or be received in a certain way.
- Let’s go over the details before the meeting.
- His speech went over well with the audience.
- The teacher went over the homework with the students.
13. Go through
Meaning: To experience, examine, or complete something.
- She went through a difficult time after losing her job.
- I need to go through these documents carefully.
- He went through all his savings in just a year.
14. Go up
Meaning: To increase or rise.
- House prices have gone up again this year.
- The temperature goes up during the summer.
- Her confidence went up after the successful presentation.
15. Go with
Meaning: To choose, match, or accompany.
- I think the blue tie goes with your shirt.
- She decided to go with the cheaper option.
- He always goes with his gut feeling.
Exercises
Test your understanding of “go” phrasal verbs with these exercises:
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete each sentence.
- She decided to _____ her dream of becoming a singer. (go after / go out)
- The meeting will _____ as scheduled. (go ahead / go down)
- Time _____ so quickly when you’re having fun. (goes by / goes off)
- We need to _____ these reports before submitting them. (go over / go with)
- The lights suddenly _____ during the storm. (went out / went up)
Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Go through | a. To pursue something |
| Go after | b. To experience something difficult |
| Go off | c. To explode or make noise |
| Go up | d. To increase |
| Go with | e. To match or choose |
Exercise 3: Write Your Own Sentences
Create sentences using the following phrasal verbs:
- Go back
- Go on
- Go for
- Go along with
- Go around