mastering phrasal verbs with "go"
- James Bowers III
- Sep 22, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 3, 2025

Phrasal verbs are a fundamental part of the English language, and they can often be tricky to master for ESL learners. Today, we'll explore a collection of phrasal verbs with "go," complete with definitions and three examples each. These expressions are not only useful for everyday conversation but also for improving your English fluency. Let's dive in!
Go on
Definition: To continue or proceed with an activity or event.
Examples:
"The concert will go on despite the rain."
"Even though the power went out briefly, the show must go on."
"After a short break, the meeting will go on as scheduled."
Go for
Definition: To choose or select something, often after careful consideration.
Examples:
"I think I'll go for the steak for dinner."
"Many students decided to go for the science degree due to their passion for research."
"When it comes to desserts, I usually go for chocolate."
Go over
Definition: To review or examine something in detail.
Examples:
"Let's go over the details of the project before the meeting."
"The teacher went over the homework assignment in class."
"Before submitting your report, make sure to go over it for any errors."
Go off
Definition: To make a sudden loud noise or sound, like an alarm or explosion.
Examples:
"The fire alarm went off in the middle of the night."
"When the timer goes off, the cookies should be ready."
"The fireworks will go off at midnight to celebrate the New Year."
Go out
Definition: To socialize or spend time outside of one's home, especially in the evening.
Examples:
"We're planning to go out for dinner tonight."
"On weekends, I like to go out with my friends to unwind."
"Despite the rain, they decided to go out for a walk in the park."
Go up
Definition: To increase or rise in value, price, or quantity.
Examples:
"The cost of living has gone up significantly in recent years."
"Gasoline prices often go up during the summer months."
"As demand for the product increases, its price tends to go up."
Go by
Definition: To pass or elapse, often used to indicate the passage of time.
Examples:
"The days seem to go by so quickly."
"As the years go by, you'll appreciate the importance of family."
"I watched the seasons go by from my window."
Go through
Definition: To experience or endure a difficult situation or process.
Examples:
"She had to go through a rigorous selection process for the job."
"Going through a breakup can be emotionally challenging."
"Patients often go through various tests before a diagnosis is made."
Go against
Definition: To oppose or act in a way that conflicts with something.
Examples:
"His decision to quit his stable job went against his family's wishes."
"Going against company policies can lead to disciplinary action."
"In this election, he chose to go against the political establishment."
Go along with
Definition: To agree or comply with someone or something.
Examples:
"I decided to go along with their plan for the weekend."
"Most employees went along with the new work schedule."
"To maintain harmony, it's often best to go along with the group's decision."
Go by (alternative meaning)
Definition: To use a specific name, identity, or title.
Examples:
"He prefers to go by his nickname rather than his full name."
"In the music industry, many artists go by stage names."
"When traveling, some people choose to go by their middle names."
Go on about
Definition: To talk continuously or at length about something.
Examples:
"He just keeps going on about his new hobby."
"During the meeting, she went on about the importance of teamwork."
"My grandmother often goes on about her adventures when she was younger."
Go without
Definition: To lack or not have something that is typically considered necessary or desirable.
Examples:
"During the hike, we had to go without cell phone reception."
"Some families struggle to make ends meet and often go without basic necessities."
"In the wilderness, you might have to go without modern comforts."
Go ahead
Definition: To proceed or continue with a planned action or activity.
Examples:
"You have my permission to go ahead with the project."
"If you're ready, you can go ahead and start the presentation."
"Despite the rain, the outdoor event will go ahead as scheduled."
Go overboard
Definition: To do something in an excessive or extravagant manner.
Examples:
"They went overboard with the decorations for the party."
"She tends to go overboard with holiday gift-giving."
"Going overboard with spending can lead to financial problems."
Go with the flow
Definition: To adapt to a situation or follow the prevailing trend without resistance.
Examples:
"When traveling, I prefer to go with the flow and explore without a strict itinerary."
"Sometimes it's best to go with the flow rather than fight against change."
"In group projects, it's essential to go with the flow and cooperate with team members."
Conclusion:
Phrasal verbs with "go" are a valuable addition to your English vocabulary. Learning and practicing these expressions will help you communicate more effectively and fluently. Remember that using them in context is key to mastering their usage. Keep going with your English learning journey, and you'll see progress over time!



Comments