go of it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'go of it' is not correct or usable in written English.
You could use the phrase 'go for it' instead. Example: He was nervous to give his speech, but with a bit of encouragement he was able to take the plunge and go for it.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I won't let go of it".

The New York Times

Letting go of it is a milestone.

Independent

Can you let go of it?

The New York Times

He's not letting go of it now.

The Guardian - Books

"I wasn't letting go of it".

The Guardian - Sport

You let go of it, it drops down.

Yale University

It's having to let go of it all.

Independent

And I was able to let go of it.

The Guardian - Books

But in a match "I couldn't let go of it.

The Guardian - Sport

"I didn't want to let go of it".

The New York Times

"I'm only now letting go of it a little bit".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "go of it" with the correct phrase "go for it" when encouraging someone to attempt something. For example, instead of "He needs to go of it", say "He needs to go for it."

Common error

Avoid using "go of it" when you mean to encourage someone to take action or try something. "Go for it" is the idiomatic expression used for encouragement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go of it" is generally considered grammatically incorrect as stated by Ludwig. It sometimes appears as part of the expression "make a go of it", signifying an attempt to succeed, or it's used in sentences where "let go of it" is the correct expression.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go of it" is often found in various contexts, but, as Ludwig AI points out, it's generally considered grammatically incorrect. Its presence in expressions like "make a go of it" or in place of "let go of it" highlights common, but not always accurate, usage. While examples from News & Media, Academia, and Wiki show its prevalence, substituting it with phrases like "go for it", "let go of it", or "make a go of it" can ensure clarity and grammatical correctness. Understanding the intended meaning and choosing the right expression will enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

let go of it

Focuses on the action of releasing or relinquishing something.

make a go of it

Implies attempting to succeed at something, often a new endeavor.

have a go at it

Suggests trying or attempting something.

have a shot at it

Similar to 'have a go', but emphasizes the opportunity to try.

make the best of it

Highlights dealing with a difficult situation in a positive way.

get through it

Emphasizes enduring and overcoming a challenging experience.

deal with it

Focuses on accepting and managing a situation.

cope with it

Similar to 'deal with it', but suggests finding strategies to manage difficulties.

handle it

Implies managing or controlling a situation effectively.

rise above it

Suggests overcoming a negative situation or challenge.

FAQs

What's the difference between "go of it" and "go for it"?

"Go of it" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. The correct and commonly used phrase is "go for it", which means to proceed or try something, often with encouragement.

When is it appropriate to use "go for it"?

Use "go for it" when you want to encourage someone to pursue an opportunity or try something new. It expresses support and enthusiasm.

Is "go of it" ever correct in any context?

While the phrase "go of it" appears in some contexts, it's often part of a larger, idiomatic expression like "make a go of it", meaning to attempt to succeed. Standing alone, "go of it" is typically not grammatically sound.

What are some alternatives to "go for it"?

You can use alternatives like "give it a try", "take a chance", or "give it your best shot" depending on the context.