to go

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to go" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, often indicating movement or the act of leaving a place. Example: "I need to go to the store before it closes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Growlers to go.

The New York Times

Way to go, girl.

The Guardian

"Christian has to go.

Independent

"He tried to go.

The New York Times - Sports

Just black, to go.

The New Yorker

"It needs to go.

The New York Times

To go public?

The New Yorker

Way to go, guys.

Independent

Long way to go.

The New York Times

But where to go?

The New York Times

We've got to go.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to go" to indicate movement, departure, or a future action. Ensure the context clarifies the specific meaning, as it's a versatile phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "to go" in situations where a more precise verb would add clarity. Overuse can make your writing vague. For example, instead of "I want to go there", specify "I want to visit there" or "I want to travel there."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to go" is as part of an infinitive verb phrase. Ludwig examples show its usage in various contexts, such as indicating movement, future actions, and states of being. It often functions as a verb complement or part of a verb construction.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to go" is a versatile infinitive phrase with a wide range of meanings, from indicating movement and departure to expressing future actions and obligations. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and very common in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's a useful and frequent phrase, it's important to ensure clarity by choosing more specific verbs when appropriate. Related phrases like ""to depart"" or ""to leave"" can provide more precision depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to leave

A more general term for exiting or moving away from a location.

to depart

Focuses specifically on the action of leaving a place or setting out on a journey.

to get going

An idiomatic expression urging action or departure.

to head out

Implies a casual or informal departure.

to set off

Suggests the beginning of a journey or expedition.

to proceed

Suggests a continuation of an action or journey.

to make a move

Indicates a decision to leave or start an action.

to travel

Highlights the act of moving from one place to another, often over a long distance.

to exit

A formal term for leaving, often used in official contexts.

to advance

Emphasizes forward movement or progress.

FAQs

What does "to go" mean in a sentence?

The phrase "to go" is versatile, indicating movement, future action, or participation. Its precise meaning depends on the context, such as leaving a place or starting an activity.

What can I say instead of "to go"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "to depart", "to leave", or "to head out".

How do I use "to go" correctly in a sentence?

Ensure the context makes your intended meaning clear. For instance, "I need to go" implies departure, while "I am going to study" indicates a future action. Choose a more specific verb if clarity is needed.

What is the difference between "to go" and "to leave"?

"To go" is a more general term for movement or action, while "to leave" specifically means departing from a place. "I need to go" is broader than "I need to leave", which focuses on exiting a specific location.