go at: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2 (Intermediate High)Informal, conversational
Quick answer
What does “go at” mean?
To attack or approach someone or something with energy and determination, either physically or with a task.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To attack or approach someone or something with energy and determination, either physically or with a task.
To begin doing something with great vigour, enthusiasm, or aggression; to tackle a problem or task energetically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. 'Go at' might be slightly more frequent in British English, but no significant difference in meaning.
Connotations
In both, the connotation is determined by the object. No distinct regional connotation.
Frequency
Common in both varieties; a standard informal phrasal verb.
Grammar
How to Use “go at” in a Sentence
Subject + go at + Object (Person/Task)Subject + go at + itVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “go at” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The two lads went at each other after the match.
- Right, let's go at this tidying up and get it done.
- She went at the crossword with her morning cuppa.
American English
- The kids went at each other over the last cookie.
- If we go at this repair job now, we can finish by noon.
- He went at the steak like he hadn't eaten in days.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
"The team needs to go at this market analysis with fresh eyes." (Meaning: tackle energetically)
Academic
Rare. Possible in informal speech: "She went at the research paper with incredible focus."
Everyday
"The two dogs went at each other in the garden." (Meaning: fought) / "He really went at his dinner." (Meaning: ate hungrily)
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “go at”
- Confusing 'go at' with 'go for'. 'Go for' means to choose or try to get ('go for the job'), while 'go at' implies an attack or vigorous start. *'He went for the paperwork' vs. 'He went at the paperwork.'
- Using it in overly formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is primarily informal and conversational. It is not appropriate for most formal or academic writing.
'Go for' means to choose, aim to achieve, or try to get something ('go for a job,' 'go for a run'). 'Go at' means to attack or tackle something with energy ('go at an opponent,' 'go at a difficult task').
Yes. When the object is a task or challenge (e.g., 'go at the problem'), it has a positive connotation of enthusiastic effort. When the object is a person, it is usually negative (aggression).
It's a common fixed phrase meaning to fight/argue ('They were going at it all night') or to do something with great effort ('We really went at it to finish the report'). The meaning comes from context.
To attack or approach someone or something with energy and determination, either physically or with a task.
Go at: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡəʊ æt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡoʊ æt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go at it hammer and tongs”
- “go at it tooth and nail”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a boxer 'going at' a punching bag — attacking it with repeated, energetic blows. The phrase captures that same sense of directed, vigorous action.
Conceptual Metaphor
EFFORT/ATTACK IS A PHYSICAL JOURNEY TOWARDS A TARGET ("go") + CONTACT/AGGRESSION IS PROXIMITY ("at").
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'The journalists went at the politician during the press conference,' what does 'went at' mean?