I went for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I went for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone chose or selected something, often in the context of making a decision or taking an action. Example: "I went for the chocolate cake instead of the fruit tart at the bakery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I went for sneakers.

The New York Times

"And I went for it.

The New York Times - Sports

I went for the pork.

The New York Times

So I went for it.

The New York Times

I went for the rafters".

The New York Times - Arts

I went for big accessories.

The New York Times

I went for Christmas.

The Guardian - Opinion

I went for melodrama.

The Guardian

"I went for a cup of coffee".

The New York Times

I went for about five sessions.

The New Yorker

I went for a lot of winners.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "I opted for" or "I chose" to avoid repetition in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "I went for" when you mean you 'tried' or 'attempted' something without success. "I went for the gold" implies you aimed to win, but doesn't guarantee you did. If you failed, use "I tried for the gold" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I went for" functions as a declarative statement indicating a choice, decision, or action taken by the speaker. It often precedes a noun or noun phrase, specifying the object of the speaker's selection or pursuit. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is used to express a conscious decision.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I went for" is a versatile phrase used to express a choice, decision, or action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in News & Media contexts. When writing, it's important to consider the specific meaning you want to convey, opting for synonyms like "I chose" or "I selected" for variety. Avoid using it when you mean you 'tried' without success. The phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I opted for

Uses 'opted' instead of 'went', emphasizing a deliberate choice.

I chose

Simple substitution of 'went for' with 'chose', maintaining the meaning of selection.

I selected

Replaces 'went for' with 'selected', suggesting a more careful or formal decision.

I decided on

Uses 'decided on' to convey the act of making a decision.

I aimed for

Changes the focus to the intended target or goal.

I pursued

Implies a more active and determined approach in seeking something.

I gravitated towards

Suggests a natural inclination or preference.

I made a selection

Rephrases the action as 'made a selection', adding a bit more formality.

My preference was

Shifts the focus to personal preference as the basis for the choice.

I made the decision to choose

A more verbose alternative that emphasizes the deliberateness of the choice.

FAQs

What does "I went for" mean?

The phrase "I went for" typically means that you chose something, aimed for something, or decided to pursue a particular option or goal. For example, "I went for the interview" indicates you chose to attend the interview.

What can I say instead of "I went for"?

You can use alternatives like "I opted for", "I chose", or "I selected" depending on the context.

How to use "I went for" in a sentence?

Use "I went for" to describe a decision or choice you made. For example, "I wasn't sure which dessert to get, but in the end, I went for the chocolate cake."

Is "I went for it" different from "I went for [something]"?

Yes, "I went for it" is an idiomatic expression that means you took a risk or seized an opportunity. In contrast, "I went for [something]" means you chose or selected something specific. The meaning is different in the first case the 'it' represents the entire opportunity.