he went for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he went for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone chose or pursued something, such as an action, option, or goal. Example: "He went for the promotion at work, believing it was the right time to advance his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He went for coffee.

The New York Times - Sports

"But he went for it.

The New York Times

He went for a walk.

The New York Times - Sports

So out he went for the ninth.

The New York Times - Sports

Then he went for a short walk.

The New York Times

He went for months without seeing them.

The New Yorker

He went for broke".

The New York Times - Arts

So, he went for it.

The New York Times - Sports

He went for a smoke.

The Guardian - Opinion

He went for his shots.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Miss or make, he went for everything.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he went for" to clearly indicate a specific action or choice someone made, ensuring the context provides enough information about what was pursued.

Common error

Avoid using "he went for" when the context doesn't clearly indicate what was being pursued. Ensure the reader understands the target of the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he went for" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a specific action or choice made by an individual. Ludwig AI shows it is used to express a pursuit of something, a decision, or an attempt.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he went for" is a versatile verb phrase used to express the pursuit, choice, or attempt to obtain something. Ludwig AI confirms it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to ensure the context clearly defines what was being pursued to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "he opted for" or "he aimed for" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he went after

More direct and active in its pursuit.

he opted for

Indicates a choice was made, focusing on the decision rather than the action.

he chose

Focuses purely on the act of selecting an option.

he aimed for

Emphasizes the intention or target that was set.

he decided on

Highlights the decision-making process.

he tried for

Highlights the attempt or effort made.

he took

Focuses on the action of taking or seizing an opportunity.

he pursued

Suggests a sustained effort or chase.

he selected

Suggests a more careful or deliberate choice.

he sought

Implies a more formal or deliberate search.

FAQs

How can I use "he went for" in a sentence?

Use "he went for" to indicate someone's choice or pursuit of something, such as "He went for the job interview" or "He went for a walk".

What can I say instead of "he went for"?

You can use alternatives like "he opted for", "he aimed for", or "he tried for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he go for" instead of "he went for"?

No, "he go for" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past tense form is "he went for".

What's the difference between "he went for" and "he headed for"?

"He went for" implies pursuit or choice, while "he headed for" suggests direction or movement towards a place.