go this way

USAGE SUMMARY

'go this way' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to give someone instructions or directions. For example, "When you get to the intersection, go this way to get to the post office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We go this way".

The Guardian - Travel

We'll go this way".

The New Yorker

It always seems to go this way".

The New York Times

It had to go this way".

The New York Times - Sports

It needn't go this way.

Harvard Business Review

B is trying to go this way.

Yale University

It wasn't meant to go this way.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It has to go this way".

The New York Times

It didn't have to go this way.

The Guardian - Books

"I'll go this way and I'll meet you around back.

The New Yorker

I'm really sad to see it go this way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider your audience. While acceptable in most situations, in formal writing, consider alternatives such as "proceed in this direction".

Common error

Avoid using "go this way" when the context requires more specific instructions. For instance, instead of saying "go this way" to a landmark, specify the landmark's location or name. It's often more helpful to say something like, "Head towards the north side of the building".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go this way" primarily functions as an instructional directive, guiding someone in a specific direction. Ludwig confirms this with numerous real-world examples of its use in giving directions or suggesting a path.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

30%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go this way" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used for providing directions and instructions. As indicated by Ludwig, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to academic discussions, with a generally neutral to informal register. While versatile, it's important to consider the level of formality required by the context and, when necessary, opt for more formal alternatives. When directing someone, this phrase offers a simple way to indicate a path or direction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come this way

Indicates direction from another point of view, inviting someone to approach.

head this way

Uses "head" as a synonym for "go", implying movement in a specific direction.

proceed in this direction

Replaces the informal "go" with the more formal "proceed" and specifies "direction".

take this path

Similar to "follow this route" but emphasizes the physical path.

move in this direction

A more descriptive and slightly formal way to indicate movement.

follow this route

Suggests a specific path or course to take.

take this course

Similar to "follow this route" implying guidance or direction.

go along this route

Specifies movement along a defined route or course.

advance this way

Emphasizes forward movement in a particular direction.

navigate this way

Replaces "go" with "navigate," focusing on the act of finding a way.

FAQs

How can I use "go this way" in a sentence?

You can use "go this way" to provide directions or instructions. For example, "If you want to reach the library, "go this way" at the intersection and turn left".

What are some alternatives to "go this way"?

Some alternatives include "proceed in this direction", "head this way", or "follow this route". The best choice depends on the context and your desired level of formality.

Is "go this way" too informal for academic writing?

While "go this way" is generally acceptable, academic writing often benefits from more formal language. Consider using alternatives like "move in this direction" or "proceed accordingly" in academic contexts.

What's the difference between "come this way" and "go this way"?

"Go this way" instructs someone to move in a particular direction away from the speaker. "Come this way" invites someone to move towards the speaker.