go
verb (transitive)
UKɡəʊUSɡoʊ
to move or travel from one place to another; to leave or depart
Example Sentences
I usually go to work by bus every morning.
Let’s go for a walk after dinner to get some fresh air.
You should go and see what that noise is coming from the garage.
He will go on a long trip next summer to explore the countryside.
If you go to the supermarket, could you pick up some fruit for me?
They decided to go out for pizza because no one felt like cooking.
She tried to go unnoticed through the crowded hallway, carefully weaving between people without drawing attention to herself.
When he decided to go on the journey, his heart pounded with both excitement and a tinge of apprehension, for he was unsure of what adventures or challenges might lie ahead.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
noun (countable)
UKɡəʊUSɡoʊ
an attempt, turn, or opportunity to do something (especially in a game or activity)
Example Sentences
It’s your go in the board game now.
She took one more go at solving the puzzle before she gave up.
May I have a go at driving your new car around the block?
He tried to fix the computer on his first go, but he had to consult a manual later.
Everyone got a fair go at shooting the basketball into the hoop.
Please give me another go; I’m sure I can do better this time.
Her second go at painting proved more successful, as she had learned from her earlier mistakes and refined her technique to achieve more vibrant, detailed results.
When it was finally my go to give the presentation, I felt a rush of adrenaline, determined to deliver the best speech I could despite my nerves.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
To move or depart from one point, action, or state to another.Used primarily as an intransitive verb, “go” emphasizes movement, travel, or a shift in status or condition. It can describe physical transitions—“I go to work every day”—as well as metaphorical ones—“Things can go from bad to worse.” When giving directions, “go” helps clarify routes and sequences, such as “Go straight and turn left at the corner.” In narratives, “go” often drives the plot, marking where characters travel, or how events unfold: “They decided to go abroad for the summer.” It also appears in casual invitations: “Let’s go out for dinner.” Beyond physical movement, you’ll find “go” used in idiomatic phrases, like “go for it,” expressing encouragement, or “go off,” which can imply leaving abruptly or, in some contexts, becoming active (as in an alarm). Furthermore, “go” supports phrasal verbs, each carrying its own nuanced meaning—“go along with” (agree), “go over” (review), “go through” (experience), and more. Whether denoting simple travel, introducing change, or shaping an entire story arc, “go” remains a fundamental English verb for describing transitions and progressions in both everyday conversation and more formal discourse. By pairing “go” with descriptive language and situational details, you can effectively portray the dynamic nature of movement, development, or transformation in your writing and speech.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid repeating “go” or need a slightly different shade of meaning, choose from various alternatives. “Move” works for emphasizing physical displacement, whether slow or quick, while “travel” implies purposeful journeys, like business trips or vacations. “Proceed” hints at a methodical advance, often used in instructions or formal statements. “Head” conveys a clear direction—“We’ll head to the mountains this weekend”—suggesting intent and destination. When discussing plans or invitations, you might substitute “head out” or “set off,” each adding a relaxed, slightly adventurous flavor. “Make your way” signals steady progression toward a goal, useful in tasks or longer journeys. For more figurative shifts, “shift,” “transition,” or “change” better reflect non-physical alterations in state—“Things can shift rapidly in that market.” Meanwhile, “depart” indicates a clear break from a previous place or condition, frequently seen in more formal or narrative contexts. Each alternative carries distinct connotations, allowing you to choose the one that precisely aligns with your tone, purpose, and context. By consciously rotating among these synonyms, you keep your language varied and nuanced, ensuring your audience fully understands the nature of each transition or move you describe.
Writing
In your writing, “go” often lends clarity and momentum to actions, whether you’re charting a journey in fiction, outlining project steps in professional documents, or narrating historical events. Its directness can propel the reader forward: “They go north in search of new opportunities.” However, overusing “go” may reduce the impact of your prose. Instead, pair it with modifiers and descriptive elements—“They go swiftly,” or “They go reluctantly”—to underscore the manner or attitude behind the move. For sophisticated or formal texts, consider specific verbs like “proceed,” “depart,” or “venture” to enrich the narrative. In sequences, use “go” to denote logical transitions—“First, you go through the initial research phase; then you analyze the results.” This verb can also set the pace in instructional writing: “Go step by step to troubleshoot the device.” In creative works, “go” helps depict character motivations—“He decided to go after the truth despite the risks.” Ultimately, “go” works best when balanced with more vivid language, accurately reflecting both physical and metaphorical progress. By blending “go” with alternative verbs and clear context, you energize your sentences and guide readers through your narrative or argument in a dynamic, engaging manner.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “go” is almost indispensable for talking about plans, directions, and personal routines. You might say, “I’m going to the store. Do you want anything?” or “Let’s go check out that new café.” This simple verb also appears in many everyday expressions—“go for it” encourages someone to seize an opportunity, while “go ahead” grants permission to proceed. When recounting events with friends, you might say, “Then we went to see a movie,” helping listeners follow the flow of your day. And if plans shift, a simple “I’m going home” clarifies your next move. The word’s flexibility extends to emotional contexts, too—“I’m going crazy!” highlights frustration in a lighthearted way. Phrasal verbs such as “go off,” “go out,” or “go down” fill casual speech with nuance, indicating excitement, leaving for social events, or describing something as happening. Because it’s short, direct, and extremely common, “go” keeps the conversation brisk and to the point. You can always swap in synonyms like “head,” “move,” or “set off” for variety, but most of the time, “go” remains the perfect fit for breezy, efficient day-to-day communication among friends, colleagues, and family members.
Etymology
Derived from Old English “gān,” “go” shares ties with multiple Germanic languages, reflecting its historical significance in everyday speech. Over centuries, English speakers have consistently relied on it to express travel, change, or progress in life’s many realms. It underwent only mild shifts in spelling and form, standing firm as a vital verb amid evolving grammar and vocabulary patterns. Medieval and Renaissance texts alike used “go” extensively to tell stories of knights, pilgrims, and explorers, all making vital journeys that propelled narratives forward. As global contact expanded and new dialects emerged, “go” seamlessly adapted, retaining its essential meaning: the act of moving or transitioning. From epic poems to modern digital communication, “go” underscores humanity’s drive to explore, advance, and transform, be it physically, psychologically, or socially. Today, it remains a building block of English syntax—a straightforward verb that unites the past, present, and future of communication by conveying the simple but powerful idea of forward motion or progression.