to go for

USAGE SUMMARY

"to go for" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to indicate that one is making an effort towards something, or doing something for the purpose of achieving a goal. For example, "She decided to go for her dream of becoming a professional dancer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

To go for it.

The New York Times

"He encouraged me to go for it".

Independent

Attanasio told him to go for it.

The New York Times - Sports

We decided to go for a walk.

The New Yorker

You need to go for it.

The New York Times

She told him to go for it.

The New York Times

"You've got to go for it.

Independent

We have to go for more victories.

The New York Times - Sports

We just have to go for it.

Independent

Lombardi wanted to go for it.

The New York Times

But which bread maker to go for?

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to go for" when you want to encourage someone to pursue an opportunity or take a chance. It conveys a sense of optimism and support.

Common error

Avoid using "to go for" when the subject is not actively making a choice or pursuing something. For example, instead of "The team was gone for by the coach", use "The coach selected the team."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "to go for" is a phrasal verb. It acts as the verb in a sentence, often followed by a noun or pronoun. Ludwig examples show it expressing pursuing goals, choosing options, or making attempts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Science

7%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "to go for" is a versatile and widely used phrasal verb that expresses the idea of pursuing a goal, making an attempt, or choosing an option. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and acceptable in various contexts, though predominantly found in news and media sources. While alternatives like "to aim for" or "to strive for" exist, understanding the nuances of "to go for" allows for more precise and effective communication. Remember to use it actively and avoid passive constructions to maintain clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to aim for

Focuses more on the target or goal being pursued.

to strive for

Emphasizes the effort and determination involved in pursuing something.

to opt for

Highlights the act of choosing a specific option from a set of possibilities.

to pursue

Implies a longer-term and more dedicated effort towards achieving a goal.

to try for

Suggests a less certain or more experimental approach.

to select

Emphasizes the act of picking or choosing a specific item or option.

to pick

Offers a more informal way to express the idea of selecting something.

to make an attempt

Focuses on the action of trying to do something, regardless of the outcome.

to have a shot at

Indicates that someone has an opportunity or chance to achieve something.

to take a stab at

Suggests a less serious or more exploratory attempt.

FAQs

What does "to go for" mean?

The phrase "to go for" generally means to pursue something, make an attempt at something, or choose a particular option. The precise meaning can depend on the context.

How can I use "to go for" in a sentence?

You can use "to go for" in many contexts, such as "She decided to go for the job promotion" or "We should go for the cheaper option".

What can I say instead of "to go for"?

You can use alternatives like "to aim for", "to strive for", or "to opt for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "gone for" instead of "went for"?

The correct past tense form is "went for". "Gone for" is typically used as part of the present perfect tense, such as "They have gone for a walk".