go for

USAGE SUMMARY

"go for" is a perfectly acceptable expression in written English.
You can use it when you want to express something that can be put in motion and is successful: "I decided to go for a run this morning and it felt great!".

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Go for diplomacy.

The New York Times

"Go for the schmaltz".

The New York Times

We go for Saddam.

Independent

We'd go for drives.

The New Yorker

Let's go for them!

The New Yorker

So go for light.

The New York Times - Arts

They go for drives.

The New Yorker

Go for deep gratitude.

The New York Times

"Go for something else.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Let's go for three".

The New York Times

I'd go for bread.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go for" when encouraging someone to pursue a goal with enthusiasm. For instance, "You have the skills, so go for it!"

Common error

While versatile, "go for" can sound informal in academic or professional contexts. Opt for more formal alternatives like "pursue", "strive for", or "aim for" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "go for" primarily functions as an action verb, indicating an attempt, pursuit, or undertaking. Ludwig shows its usage in various contexts, from pursuing goals to expressing preferences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

36%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Go for" is a versatile phrasal verb that commonly expresses attempting something, pursuing a goal, or indicating a preference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used. While versatile, be mindful of the context, reserving it for neutral to informal settings. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "pursue" or "strive for". With its frequent appearance in everyday language and varied applications, mastering "go for" will enhance your communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

try for

Similar to "go for" but emphasizes the effort in pursuing a specific goal.

aim for

Highlights the setting of a specific target or objective.

reach for

Indicates an effort to grasp or attain something that may be difficult to obtain.

attempt

Focuses on the action of trying to achieve something, omitting the direction or target.

take a shot at

Suggests a casual attempt or gamble at achieving something.

strive for

Suggests a considerable effort and ambition in reaching a target.

pursue

Implies a determined and sustained effort towards achieving a goal.

have a go at

Informal alternative suggesting an attempt or try at something.

seek

Emphasizes the act of looking for or trying to obtain something.

make an effort

Highlights the exertion of energy towards achieving something.

FAQs

How can I use "go for" in a sentence?

You can use "go for" to mean attempt to achieve something, like in the sentence, "I'm going to go for that promotion at work."

What are some alternatives to "go for"?

Alternatives include "try for", "aim for", or "pursue", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "I will go for it"?

Yes, "I will go for it" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate you are determined to pursue something.

What's the difference between "go for" and "strive for"?

"Go for" suggests a general attempt, while "strive for" implies a more determined and effortful pursuit.