go at that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go at that" is not standard in written English and may be considered informal or unclear.
It can be used in contexts where someone is encouraged to proceed with a task or challenge, but it may require additional context for clarity. Example: "If you feel confident, just go at that and see what happens."

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He let it go at that.

The New Yorker

All right, let it go at that.

The New Yorker

The lady let it go at that.

The New Yorker

The organization lets it go at that.

The New York Times

But the dictionary doesn't let it go at that.

The New Yorker

They should probably have another go at that.

Independent

Mr. Burke, however, does not let it go at that.

The New York Times - Arts

He tends to let it go at that.

The Guardian

Mr. Zimmerman just let it go at that.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

You could have 50 goes at that and not get close to doing what he did.

BBC

We had 10 going at that game.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "go at that", ensure the context is clear. It's often best suited for informal settings where the meaning can be easily inferred from the surrounding conversation. In formal writing, consider more precise alternatives.

Common error

Avoid using "go at that" in professional or academic writing, where more specific and descriptive language is preferred. Replace it with terms that precisely convey the intended action or approach.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go at that" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used as an encouragement or directive to address or tackle a specific task or situation. It suggests initiating action or effort toward something. Ludwig AI reports an informal tone.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "go at that" is an informal idiom generally used to encourage someone to tackle a task or address an issue. While acceptable in casual settings, it is often too vague for formal or professional writing, where more precise language is preferred. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase may be unclear in written English. Alternatives like "tackle that" or "address that" offer more specific and appropriate options for formal contexts. The frequency of "go at that" is currently limited in the provided data, so use it judiciously and consider your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tackle that

Focuses on addressing the challenge or problem directly.

attack that

Emphasizes a more aggressive or forceful approach to the task.

handle that

Suggests managing or dealing with a situation or task.

address that

Highlights the act of giving attention to or dealing with something.

deal with that

Implies taking action to resolve or manage a specific issue.

work on that

Focuses on the effort and process involved in addressing something.

begin that

Simply indicates starting or initiating action on a task.

pursue that

Indicates following up a task with dedication.

undertake that

Suggests a formal or serious commitment to a task or project.

engage in that

Implies active participation and involvement in the matter.

FAQs

What does "go at that" mean?

The phrase "go at that" generally means to address, tackle, or deal with something. It's often used informally to encourage someone to start working on a task or problem.

How can I use "go at that" in a sentence?

While "go at that" is acceptable in casual speech, it may be too vague for formal writing. Examples include: "You're going to look at the five, six feet above you and "go at that" first." In formal settings, more precise language is advisable.

What are some alternatives to "go at that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tackle that", "address that", or "deal with that". These alternatives provide a clearer and more professional tone.

Is "go at that" appropriate for formal writing?

In most cases, no. "Go at that" is generally considered too informal for academic or professional writing. Opt for more specific and formal alternatives to ensure clarity and precision.