go for
B1-B2Neutral. Common in spoken and informal written English, also acceptable in formal contexts depending on the sense.
Definition
Meaning
To try to obtain or achieve something; to choose; to attack; to be attracted to.
To apply to; to be valid for; to represent a particular opinion or preference; to act vigorously for a purpose; to cost (a certain amount).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
"Go for" is a multi-word verb (phrasal verb). Its meaning shifts significantly based on context, from literal intention ('go for a walk') to figurative preference ('I go for modern art') to aggression ('The dog went for him').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal core difference. 'Go for it' as an encouragement is equally common. 'Go for' meaning 'attack' may be slightly more colloquial in the UK.
Connotations
In both varieties, it conveys directness and action. The idiom 'go for it' strongly connotes seizing an opportunity.
Frequency
Very high frequency in both dialects, with similar usage patterns across all senses.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
SUBJ + go for + NP (object)SUBJ + go for + NP (person - attack)Go for it! (imperative)SUBJ + go for + DET + amount (cost)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “go for it”
- “go for broke”
- “go for the jugular”
- “go for gold”
- “anything goes”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
"We decided to go for the more expensive software for its long-term benefits."
Academic
Rare in formal academic prose except in reported speech or informal commentary.
Everyday
Very common: "I'll go for the chicken salad," "He went for a bike ride."
Technical
Not typically used in technical registers unless metaphorically (e.g., in computing: "The algorithm goes for the simplest solution first").
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- I think I'll go for the steak and chips.
- If you see an opportunity, you should just go for it.
- My dog went for the postman again.
American English
- I'm going to go for the blue shirt.
- Go for it! You can do it!
- The critic really went for the author in his review.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Let's go for a walk in the park.
- I go for the red one.
- He goes for a swim every morning.
- She's decided to go for the manager position.
- This painting goes for about £500 at auction.
- Why did the dog go for him?
- The newspaper article really went for the government's handling of the crisis.
- I don't usually go for abstract art, but this piece is compelling.
- The same rule goes for everyone; no exceptions.
- In the negotiation, they decided to go for the jugular and demand major concessions.
- He's going for broke by investing all his savings in this startup.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a dog (GO) running eagerly FOR a ball. This captures the core ideas of movement, intention, and target.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS A FORCE TOWARD AN OBJECT (I go for chocolate). OPPORTUNITY IS A TARGET (Go for it!). AGGRESSION IS FORWARD MOTION (He went for me).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not translate literally as 'идти для'. Use context-specific verbs: выбирать (choose), пытаться получить (try to get), нападать (attack), нравиться (like).
- "Go for a walk" is гулять, not 'идти на прогулку' in most natural contexts.
- Confusing 'go for' (aim/choose) with 'go to' (direction).
Common Mistakes
- *I go for to buy milk. (Correct: I go to buy milk / I go for milk.)
- *She went for to get the prize. (Correct: She went for the prize.)
- Overusing the 'attack' sense in non-literal contexts.
Practice
Quiz
In the sentence 'That sofa goes for a fortune,' what does 'goes for' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally neutral but common in spoken English. Some senses (e.g., 'go for it') are informal. It is less common in very formal writing.
'Go for' is more active and informal, often implying a decisive selection from available options. 'Choose' is more general and neutral.
Yes, informally. 'I don't go for heavy metal music' means 'I don't like/appreciate it.' This usage is more common in British English.
No. In this construction, 'go' is the main verb and 'for a walk' is a prepositional phrase indicating purpose. It's not the multi-word verb 'go for'.