goes so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "goes so" is not a standard expression in written English and may be considered informal or incomplete.
It can be used in contexts where you want to indicate a degree or extent of something, often in a colloquial manner. Example: "He goes so far as to say that he could win the competition."

News & Media

Sports

General Conversation

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It only goes so far".

The New York Times - Sports

Preparation only goes so far.

The New York Times - Sports

"It goes so quick.

The New York Times - Sports

What goes so wrong?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As its offense goes, so goes Florida.

The New York Times

Sweet talk only goes so far.

The New York Times - Arts

Friendship only goes so far, though.

The New York Times

But the independence only goes so far.

The New York Times

The analogy only goes so far, though.

The New York Times

Customer service only goes so far.

The Economist

But efficiency only goes so far.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "goes so", consider adding "far" or another qualifier to provide a clearer sense of the extent or limit being discussed. This can improve clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "goes so" without specifying the limit or extent. Incomplete sentences can leave readers unsure of the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goes so" functions as part of a larger expression, often indicating a limit, extent, or the quick passage of time. It's typically used with an adverb or prepositional phrase to complete its meaning. Ludwig highlights various examples, such as "only goes so far" or "goes so fast".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Sports

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "goes so" is commonly used to indicate a degree, limit, or the passage of time. However, it often requires a qualifier like "far" or "fast" to provide clarity. While acceptable in general conversation and news media, more formal contexts may benefit from using more precise alternatives. Ludwig's examples show that this phrase is versatile, but attention to context is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extends only to

Emphasizes the limited reach or scope, focusing on the boundary or stopping point.

reaches a limit

Highlights the idea of attaining a maximum point beyond which something cannot progress.

has limited scope

Focuses on the restricted range or extent of something, emphasizing its boundaries.

is only effective up to a point

Focuses on the effectiveness of an action or method, stressing that it has constraints.

is only partially successful

Highlights that an attempt or effort achieves some, but not all, of its intended goals.

progresses rapidly

Indicates a fast pace of development or advancement, similar to the 'quickness' aspect.

happens quickly

Stresses the swift occurrence of an event or situation.

advances to a certain stage

Indicates that progress is made up to a particular level or phase, but no further.

doesn't last very long

Emphasizes the short duration or temporary nature of something.

moves swiftly

Stresses the rapid or expeditious movement of something.

FAQs

How can I use "goes so" in a sentence?

The phrase "goes so" typically needs a qualifier to clarify the extent or limit. For instance, "It only "goes so far"" indicates a limitation, while "Life "goes so fast"" emphasizes the quick passage of time.

What's a more formal alternative to "goes so"?

Depending on the context, more formal alternatives include "extends to a certain point", "reaches a limit", or "is only effective up to a point". These options provide a more precise and polished tone compared to "goes so".

Is it grammatically correct to say "goes so" without adding 'far'?

While commonly used, "goes so" is often considered incomplete without an additional word or phrase to specify the extent or limit. Adding "far", "quickly", or another qualifier improves clarity.

What does it mean when someone says something "only goes so far"?

When someone says something "only "goes so far"", they mean it has limitations or can only achieve a certain level of success or effectiveness. It implies that there are constraints that prevent further progress or impact.