go for something

USAGE SUMMARY

"go for something" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to making a choice or decision. For example: "I decided to go for something a little more daring this time around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Go for something else.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Go for something more professional.

Independent

Will we go for something to eat?

The New Yorker

OK, let's go for something simpler.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He'd go for something stylish under there.

Independent

Why didn't he go for something big?

The Guardian - Film

Last night he decided to go for something different.

The New York Times

Where should you go for something truly alternative?

The Guardian - Travel

Would you go for something light, a romcom or something?

The Guardian - Film

We wanted to go for something new and fresh".

The Guardian - Tech

Better to go for something more modern and air-conditioned.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go for something" when you want to express a decision to choose or pursue a specific option or course of action. It often implies a sense of enthusiasm or determination.

Common error

While "go for something" is versatile, avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. In such contexts, consider more precise alternatives like "opt for", "select", or "pursue" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "go for something" is as a phrasal verb, where "go" is the verb and "for something" acts as a prepositional phrase modifying the verb. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

31%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go for something" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrasal verb used to express a decision to choose, pursue, or aim for a specific objective. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and common usage. While suitable for a variety of contexts, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources. When writing, consider the level of formality required; in highly formal settings, more precise alternatives like "opt for" or "select" may be more appropriate. However, its widespread use and varied application make "go for something" a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opt for something

Replaces "go" with "opt", suggesting a more deliberate or formal choice.

choose something

A more direct and general alternative, lacking the idiomatic feel.

select something

Implies a careful and considered decision-making process.

try something

Suggests an attempt or experiment, rather than a firm commitment.

pursue something

Focuses on the action of striving towards a goal or objective.

seek something

Implies actively looking for or aiming to obtain something.

aim for something

Highlights the intention or goal in the pursuit.

strive for something

Emphasizes effort and determination in achieving a goal.

reach for something

Implies extending oneself to grasp or attain something.

pick something

A more casual and less formal way of saying "choose something".

FAQs

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

You can use "go for something" to express a choice or pursuit, as in "I decided to "go for something" more challenging" or "If you want it, "go for something" it!".

What are some alternatives to "go for something"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "opt for", "choose", "pursue", or "select".

Is "go for something" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "go for something" may be too informal for highly formal contexts. Consider more precise and formal alternatives like "opt for" or "select" in those situations.

What's the difference between "go for something" and "try something"?

"Go for something" implies a decision to actively pursue or choose something, while "try something" suggests an attempt or experiment without a firm commitment.