go
go about
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n/-ing
The way you go about a task or problem is the way you approach it and deal with it.
I want him back, but I just don't know how to go about it.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
When you are going about your normal activities, you are doing them.
We were simply going about our business when we were pounced upon by these police officers.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep, V P -ing
If you go about in a particular way, you behave or dress in that way, often as part of your normal life.
He used to go about in a black cape...
He went about looking ill and unhappy.
= go aroundgo after
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go after something, you try to get it, catch it, or hit it.
We're not going after civilian targets.go against
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If a person or their behaviour goes against your wishes, beliefs, or expectations, their behaviour is the opposite of what you want, believe in, or expect.
Changes are being made here which go against my principles and I cannot agree with them.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If a decision, vote, or result goes against you, you do not get the decision, vote, or result that you wanted.
The prime minister will resign if the vote goes against him...go ahead
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P with n
If someone goes ahead with something, they begin to do it or make it, especially after planning, promising, or asking permission to do it.
The district board will vote today on whether to go ahead with the plan.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a process or an organized event goes ahead, it takes place or is carried out.
The event will go ahead as planned in Sheffield next summer.go along
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to n, V P and inf
If you go along to a meeting, event, or place, you attend or visit it.
I went along to the meeting...
You should go along and have a look.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] usu cont, V P adv
If you describe how something is going along, you describe how it is progressing.
Things were going along fairly well.go around
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to n, V P to-inf
If you go around to someone's house, you go to visit them at their house.
I asked them to go around to the house to see if they were there...
Mike went round to see them.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep, V P -ing, also V P adj
If you go around in a particular way, you behave or dress in that way, often as part of your normal life.
I had got in the habit of going around with bare feet...
If they went around complaining publicly, they might not find it so easy to get another job.
= go about
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a piece of news or a joke is going around, it is being told by many people in the same period of time.
There's a nasty sort of rumour going around about it.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If there is enough of something to go around, there is enough of it to be shared among a group of people, or to do all the things for which it is needed.
Eventually we will not have enough water to go around.go away
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you go away, you leave a place or a person's company.
I think we need to go away and think about this.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you go away, you leave a place and spend a period of time somewhere else, especially as a holiday.
Why don't you and I go away this weekend?go back
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to n, V P n
If something goes back to a particular time in the past, it was made or started at that time.
The feud with the Catholics goes back to the 11th century...
Our association with him goes back four years.
= date back
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to n, also V P n
If someone goes back to a time in the past, they begin to discuss or consider events that happened at that time.
If you go back to 1960, you'll find that very few jobs were being created.go back on
[PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you go back on a promise or agreement, you do not do what you promised or agreed to do.
The budget crisis has forced the President to go back on his word.go back to
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P n/-ing, V P P n/-ing
If you go back to a task or activity, you start doing it again after you have stopped doing it for a period of time.
I now look forward to going back to work as soon as possible...
Amy went back to studying.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you go back to a particular point in a lecture, discussion, or book, you start to discuss it.
Let me just go back to the point I was making.go before
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
Something that has gone before has happened or been discussed at an earlier time.
This is a rejection of most of what has gone before.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
To go before a judge, tribunal, or court of law means to be present there as part of an official or legal process.
The case went before Mr Justice Henry on December 23 and was adjourned.go by
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you say that time goes by, you mean that it passes.
My grandmother was becoming more and more sad and frail as the years went by.
= go on
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go by something, you use it as a basis for a judgment or action.
If they prove that I was wrong, then I'll go by what they say.go down
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P amount, V P from/to/by n
If a price, level, or amount goes down, it becomes lower or less than it was.
Income from sales tax went down...
Crime has gone down 70 percent...
Average life expectancy went down from about 70 to 67.
= fall
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P on n
If you go down on your knees or on all fours, you lower your body until it is supported by your knees, or by your hands and knees.
I went down on my knees and prayed for guidance.
= get down
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P num, also V P
In sport, if a person or team goes down, they are defeated in a match or contest.
They went down 2-1 to Australia.
= lose
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P adv
If you say that a remark, idea, or type of behaviour goes down in a particular way, you mean that it gets a particular kind of reaction from a person or group of people.
Solicitors advised their clients that a tidy look went down well with the magistrates.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When the sun goes down, it goes below the horizon.
...the glow left in the sky after the sun has gone down.
= set
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a ship goes down, it sinks. If a plane goes down, it crashes out of the sky.
Their aircraft went down during a training exercise.
7 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a computer goes down, it stops functioning temporarily.
The main computers went down for 30 minutes.
8 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
To go down means to happen. (INFORMAL)
`What's going down? Any ideas?'
= happengo for
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go for a particular thing or way of doing something, you choose it.
People tried to persuade him to go for a more gradual reform programme.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go for someone or something, you like them very much. (INFORMAL)
I tend to go for large dark men.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go for someone, you attack them.
Pantieri went for him, gripping him by the throat.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you say that a statement you have made about one person or thing also goes for another person or thing, you mean that the statement is also true of this other person or thing.
It is illegal to dishonour bookings; that goes for restaurants as well as customers.
5 [PHRASAL VERB]
If something goes for a particular price, it is sold for that amount.
Some old machines go for as much as 35,000 pounds.
= fetchgo in
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If the sun goes in, a cloud comes in front of it and it can no longer be seen. (BRIT)
The sun went in, and the breeze became cold.
≠ come outgo into
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go into something, you describe or examine it fully or in detail.
It was a private conversation and I don't want to go into details about what was said.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go into something, you decide to do it as your job or career.
Mr Pok has now gone into the tourism business.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If an amount of time, effort, or money goes into something, it is spent or used to do it, get it, or make it.
Is there a lot of effort and money going into this sort of research?go off
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P n
If you go off someone or something, you stop liking them. (BRIT INFORMAL)
`Why have they gone off him now?'--`It could be something he said.'...
I started to go off the idea.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If an explosive device or a gun goes off, it explodes or fires.
A few minutes later the bomb went off, destroying the vehicle.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If an alarm bell goes off, it makes a sudden loud noise.
Then the fire alarm went off. I just grabbed my clothes and ran out.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If an electrical device goes off, it stops operating.
As the water came in the windows, all the lights went off.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P adv/prep
If you say how an organized event went off, you are saying whether everything happened in the way that was planned or hoped.
The meeting went off all right...
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
Food or drink that has gone off has gone bad. (BRIT)
Don't eat that! It's mouldy. It's gone off!go on
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P -ing, V P with n, V P
If you go on doing something, or go on with an activity, you continue to do it.
Unemployment is likely to go on rising this year...
I'm all right here. Go on with your work...
I don't want to leave, but I can't go on.
= carry on
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If something is going on, it is happening.
I don't know what's going on.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a process or institution goes on, it continues to happen or exist.
The population failed to understand the necessity for the war to go on.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you say that a period of time goes on, you mean that it passes.
Renewable energy will become progressively more important as time goes on.
= go by
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to-inf
If you go on to do something, you do it after you have done something else.
Alliss retired from golf in 1969 and went on to become a successful broadcaster...
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep/adv
If you go on to a place, you go to it from the place that you have reached.
He goes on to Holland tomorrow.
7 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P with quote
If you go on, you continue saying something or talking about something.
Meer cleared his throat several times before he went on...
`Go on,' Chee said. `I'm interested.'
8 [PHRASAL VERB] V P about n, V P at n to-inf, also V P at n
If you go on about something, or in British English go on at someone, you continue talking about the same thing, often in an annoying way. (INFORMAL)
Expectations have been raised with the Government going on about choice and market forces...
She's always going on at me to have a baby.
9 [PHRASAL VERB] only imper, V P
You say `Go on' to someone to persuade or encourage them to do something. (INFORMAL)
Go on, it's fun.
10 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P n
If you talk about the information you have to go on, you mean the information you have available to base an opinion or judgment on.
But you have to go on the facts...
There's not much to go on.
11 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If an electrical device goes on, it begins operating.
A light went on at seven every evening.
= come ongo out
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you go out, you leave your home in order to do something enjoyable, for example to go to a party, a bar, or the cinema.
I'm going out tonight.
≠ stay in
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P with n, pl-n V P
If you go out with someone, the two of you spend time together socially, and have a romantic or sexual relationship.
I once went out with a French man...
They've only been going out for six weeks.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to-inf, V P and inf
If you go out to do something, you make a deliberate effort to do it.
You do not go out to injure opponents...
It will be a marvellous occasion and they should go out and enjoy it.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a light goes out, it stops shining.
The bedroom light went out after a moment.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If something that is burning goes out, it stops burning.
The fire seemed to be going out.
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a message goes out, it is announced, published, or sent out to people.
Word went out that a column of tanks was on its way.
7 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When a television or radio programme goes out, it is broadcast. (BRIT)
The series goes out at 10.30pm, Fridays, on Channel 4.
8 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When the tide goes out, the water in the sea gradually moves back to a lower level.
The tide was going out.
≠ come in
9 [PHRASE] V inflects
You can say `My heart goes out to him' or `My sympathy goes out to her' to express the strong sympathy you have for someone in a difficult or unpleasant situation.
My heart goes out to Mrs Adams and her fatherless children.go over
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go over a document, incident, or problem, you examine, discuss, or think about it very carefully.
I won't know how successful it is until an accountant has gone over the books.go over to
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If someone or something goes over to a different way of doing things, they change to it.
The Armed Forces could do away with conscription and go over to a volunteer system.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you go over to a group or political party, you join them after previously belonging to an opposing group or party.
Only a small number of tanks and paratroops have gone over to his side.go round
see go aroundgo through
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P n
If you go through an experience or a period of time, especially an unpleasant or difficult one, you experience it.
He was going through a very difficult time...
South Africa was going through a period of irreversible change.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go through a lot of things such as papers or clothes, you look at them, usually in order to sort them into groups or to search for a particular item.
It was evident that someone had gone through my possessions.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go through a list, story, or plan, you read or check it from beginning to end.
Going through his list of customers is a massive job.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
When someone goes through a routine, procedure, or series of actions, they perform it in the way they usually do.
Every night, they go through the same routine: he throws open the bedroom window, she closes it.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a law, agreement, or official decision goes through, it is approved by a parliament or committee.
The bill might have gone through if the economy was growing.
= get throughgo through with
[PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you go through with an action you have decided on, you do it, even though it may be very unpleasant or difficult for you.
Richard pleaded for Belinda to reconsider and not to go through with the divorce.go towards
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n/-ing, V P n/-ing
If an amount of money goes towards something, it is used to pay part of the cost of that thing.
One per cent of total public spending should eventually go towards the arts...
Under the new approach more money will go towards improving the standard of training.go under
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a business or project goes under, it becomes unable to continue in operation or in existence. (BUSINESS)
If one firm goes under it could provoke a cascade of bankruptcies.
= collapse
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a boat, ship, or person in a sea or river goes under, they sink below the surface of the water.
The ship went under, taking with her all her crew.
= sinkgo up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P to/from/by n, V P amount
If a price, amount, or level goes up, it becomes higher or greater than it was.
Interest rates went up...
The cost has gone up to $1.95 a minute...
Prices have gone up 61 percent since deregulation.
= rise, increase
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When a building, wall, or other structure goes up, it is built or fixed in place.
He noticed a new building going up near Whitaker Park.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P in n
If something goes up, it explodes or starts to burn, usually suddenly and with great intensity.
I was going to get out of the building in case it went up...
The hotel went up in flames.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a shout or cheer goes up, it is made by a lot of people together.
A cheer went up from the other passengers.go with
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If one thing goes with another thing, the two things officially belong together, so that if you get one, you also get the other.
...the lucrative $250,000 salary that goes with the job.
= accompany
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If one thing goes with another thing, it is usually found or experienced together with the other thing.
For many women, the status which goes with being a wife is important.go without
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n/-ing, V P
If you go without something that you need or usually have or do, you do not get it or do it.
I have known what it is like to go without food for days...
The embargo won't hurt us because we're used to going without.♦♦♦ go1 /g'oʊ/ (go goes going went gone) MOVING OR LEAVING
In most cases the past participle of go is gone, but occasionally you use `been': see been.
1 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V amount
When you go somewhere, you move or travel there.
We went to Rome...
Gladys had just gone into the kitchen...
I went home at the weekend...
It took us an hour to go three miles.
2 [VERB] V, V
When you go, you leave the place where you are.
Let's go...
She's going tomorrow.
3 [VERB] V -ing, V -ing, V for n
You use go to say that someone leaves the place where they are and does an activity, often a leisure activity.
We went swimming very early...
Maybe they've just gone shopping...
He went for a walk.
4 [VERB] V to-inf, V and v, V inf
When you go to do something, you move to a place in order to do it and you do it. You can also go and do something, and in American English, you can go do something. However, you always say that someone went and did something.
His second son, Paddy, had gone to live in Canada...
I must go and see this film...
Go ask whoever you want.
5 [VERB] V to n, V to n
If you go to school, work, or church, you attend it regularly as part of your normal life.
She will have to go to school...
His son went to a top university in America.
6 [VERB] V prep/adv
When you say where a road or path goes, you are saying where it begins or ends, or what places it is in.
There's a mountain road that goes from Blairstown to Millbrook Village.
= lead
7 [VERB] with brd-neg, V -ing, V -ing
You can use go in expressions such as `don't go telling everybody', in order to express disapproval of the kind of behaviour you mention, or to tell someone not to behave in that way.
You don't have to go running upstairs every time she rings...
Don't you go thinking it was your fault.
8 [VERB] V adv/prep, V adv/prep
You can use go with words like `further' and `beyond' to show the degree or extent of something.
He went even further in his speech to the conference...
Some physicists have gone so far as to suggest that the entire Universe is a sort of gigantic computer.
9 [VERB] V adv
If you say that a period of time goes quickly or slowly, you mean that it seems to pass quickly or slowly.
The weeks go so quickly!
= pass
10 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If you say where money goes, you are saying what it is spent on.
Most of my money goes on bills...
The money goes to projects chosen by the wider community.
11 [VERB] V to n, V to n
If you say that something goes to someone, you mean that it is given to them.
A lot of credit must go to the chairman and his father...
The job went to Yuri Skokov, a capable administrator.
12 [VERB] V on n, V on n
If someone goes on television or radio, they take part in a television or radio programme.
The Turkish president has gone on television to defend stringent new security measures...
We went on the air, live, at 7.30.
13 [VERB] V, V
If something goes, someone gets rid of it.
The Institute of Export now fears that 100,000 jobs will go...
If people stand firm against the tax, it is only a matter of time before it has to go.
14 [VERB] V
If someone goes, they leave their job, usually because they are forced to.
He had made a humiliating tactical error and he had to go.
15 [VERB] V into/in n
If something goes into something else, it is put in it as one of the parts or elements that form it.
...the really interesting ingredients that go into the dishes that we all love to eat.
16 [VERB] V, V prep/adv
If something goes in a particular place, it fits in that place or should be put there because it is the right size or shape.
He was trying to push it through the hole and it wouldn't go.
...This knob goes here.
17 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If something goes in a particular place, it belongs there or should be put there, because that is where you normally keep it.
The shoes go on the shoe shelf...
`Where does everything go?'
18 [VERB] V into num
If you say that one number goes into another number a particular number of times, you are dividing the second number by the first.
Six goes into thirty five times.
19 [VERB] V, V
If one of a person's senses, such as their sight or hearing, is going, it is getting weak and they may soon lose it completely. (INFORMAL)
His eyes are going; he says he has glaucoma...
Lately he'd been making mistakes; his nerve was beginning to go.
= fail
20 [VERB] V
If something such as a light bulb or a part of an engine is going, it is no longer working properly and will soon need to be replaced.
I thought it looked as though the battery was going.♦♦♦ go2 /g'oʊ/ (go goes going went gone) LINK VERB USES
1 [V-LINK] V adj, V adj, V prep
You can use go to say that a person or thing changes to another state or condition. For example, if someone goes crazy, they become crazy, and if something goes green, it changes colour and becomes green.
I'm going bald...
You'd better serve it to them before it goes cold...
50,000 companies have gone out of business.
2 [V-LINK] V adj, V adj
You can use go when indicating whether or not someone wears or has something. For example, if someone goes barefoot, they do not wear any shoes.
The baby went naked on the beach...
But if you arm the police won't more criminals go armed?
3 [V-LINK] V -ed
You can use go before adjectives beginning with `un-' to say that something does not happen. For example, if something goes unheard, nobody hears it.
As President, he affirmed that no tyranny went unnoticed.♦♦♦ go3 /g'oʊ/ (go goes going went gone) OTHER VERB USES, NOUN USES, AND PHRASES
1 [VERB] V adv, V adv
You use go to talk about the way something happens. For example, if an event or situation goes well, it is successful.
She says everything is going smoothly...
How did it go at the hairdresser's?
2 [VERB] V, V
If a machine or device is going, it is working.
What about my copier? Can you get it going again?...
I said, `My car won't go in fog'.
3 [VERB] V
If a bell goes, it makes a noise, usually as a signal for you to do something.
The bell went for the break.
4 [V-RECIP] V with n, pl-n V together, V (non-recip)
If something goes with something else, or if two things go together, they look or taste nice together.
I was searching for a pair of grey gloves to go with my new gown...
I can see that some colours go together and some don't...
Wear something else. This won't go.
5 [VERB] V that, V prep, V with quote
You use go to introduce something you are quoting. For example, you say the story goes or the argument goes just before you quote all or part of it.
The story goes that she went home with him that night...
The story goes like this...
As the saying goes, `There's no smoke without fire.'
6 [VERB] V with sound, V with sound
You use go when indicating that something makes or produces a sound. For example, if you say that something goes `bang', you mean it produces the sound `bang'.
She stopped in front of a painting of a dog and she started going `woof woof'...
The button on his jeans went POP.
7 [VERB] V with quote, V to n with quote
You can use go instead of `say' when you are quoting what someone has said or what you think they will say. (INFORMAL)
They say `Tom, shut up' and I go `No, you shut up'...
He goes to me: `Oh, what do you want?'
8 [N-COUNT] oft N at n/-ing
A go is an attempt at doing something.
I always wanted to have a go at football...
She won on her first go...
Her hair was bright orange. It took us two goes to get the colour right.
9 [N-COUNT] poss N
If it is your go in a game, it is your turn to do something, for example to play a card or move a piece.
I'm two behind you but it's your go...
Now whose go is it?
= turn
10
see also going, gone
11 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR to-inf, PHR for n
If you go all out to do something or go all out for something, you make the greatest possible effort to do it or get it. (INFORMAL)
They will go all out to get exactly what they want...
They're ready to go all out for the Premier League title next season.
12 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
You use expressions like as things go or as children go when you are describing one person or thing and comparing them with others of the same kind. (INFORMAL)
This is a straightforward case, as these things go...
He's good company, as small boys go.
13 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you do something as you go along, you do it while you are doing another thing, without preparing it beforehand.
Learning how to become a parent takes time. It's a skill you learn as you go along.
14 [PHRASE] Vs inflect
If you say that someone has gone and done something, you are expressing your annoyance at the foolish thing they have done. (INFORMAL)
Well, he's gone and done it again, hasn't he?...
Somebody goes and does something mindless like that and just destroys everything for you.
15 [CONVENTION]
You say `Go for it' to encourage someone to increase their efforts to achieve or win something. (INFORMAL)
16 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
If someone has a go at you, they criticize you, often in a way that you feel is unfair. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)
Some people had a go at us for it, which made us more angry.
17 [CONVENTION]
If someone says `Where do we go from here?' they are asking what should be done next, usually because a problem has not been solved in a satisfactory way.
18 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
If you say that someone is making a go of something such as a business or relationship, you mean that they are having some success with it.
I knew we could make a go of it and be happy.
19 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR, PHR after v
If you say that someone is always on the go, you mean that they are always busy and active. (INFORMAL)
I got a new job this year where I am on the go all the time.
20 [PHRASE] V inflects, usu PHR after v
If you have something on the go, you have started it and are busy doing it.
Do you like to have many projects on the go at any one time?
21 [PHRASE] amount PHR
If you say that there are a particular number of things to go, you mean that they still remain to be dealt with.
I still had another five operations to go.
22 [PHRASE] amount PHR, oft PHR prep
If you say that there is a certain amount of time to go, you mean that there is that amount of time left before something happens or ends.
There is a week to go until the elections.
23 [PHRASE] n PHR
If you are in a café or restaurant and ask for an item of food to go, you mean that you want to take it away with you and not eat it there. (mainly AM; in BRIT, use to take out, to take away)
Large fries to go.
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n/-ing
The way you go about a task or problem is the way you approach it and deal with it.
I want him back, but I just don't know how to go about it.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
When you are going about your normal activities, you are doing them.
We were simply going about our business when we were pounced upon by these police officers.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep, V P -ing
If you go about in a particular way, you behave or dress in that way, often as part of your normal life.
He used to go about in a black cape...
He went about looking ill and unhappy.
= go aroundgo after
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go after something, you try to get it, catch it, or hit it.
We're not going after civilian targets.go against
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If a person or their behaviour goes against your wishes, beliefs, or expectations, their behaviour is the opposite of what you want, believe in, or expect.
Changes are being made here which go against my principles and I cannot agree with them.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If a decision, vote, or result goes against you, you do not get the decision, vote, or result that you wanted.
The prime minister will resign if the vote goes against him...go ahead
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P with n
If someone goes ahead with something, they begin to do it or make it, especially after planning, promising, or asking permission to do it.
The district board will vote today on whether to go ahead with the plan.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a process or an organized event goes ahead, it takes place or is carried out.
The event will go ahead as planned in Sheffield next summer.go along
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to n, V P and inf
If you go along to a meeting, event, or place, you attend or visit it.
I went along to the meeting...
You should go along and have a look.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] usu cont, V P adv
If you describe how something is going along, you describe how it is progressing.
Things were going along fairly well.go around
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to n, V P to-inf
If you go around to someone's house, you go to visit them at their house.
I asked them to go around to the house to see if they were there...
Mike went round to see them.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep, V P -ing, also V P adj
If you go around in a particular way, you behave or dress in that way, often as part of your normal life.
I had got in the habit of going around with bare feet...
If they went around complaining publicly, they might not find it so easy to get another job.
= go about
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a piece of news or a joke is going around, it is being told by many people in the same period of time.
There's a nasty sort of rumour going around about it.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If there is enough of something to go around, there is enough of it to be shared among a group of people, or to do all the things for which it is needed.
Eventually we will not have enough water to go around.go away
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you go away, you leave a place or a person's company.
I think we need to go away and think about this.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you go away, you leave a place and spend a period of time somewhere else, especially as a holiday.
Why don't you and I go away this weekend?go back
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to n, V P n
If something goes back to a particular time in the past, it was made or started at that time.
The feud with the Catholics goes back to the 11th century...
Our association with him goes back four years.
= date back
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to n, also V P n
If someone goes back to a time in the past, they begin to discuss or consider events that happened at that time.
If you go back to 1960, you'll find that very few jobs were being created.go back on
[PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you go back on a promise or agreement, you do not do what you promised or agreed to do.
The budget crisis has forced the President to go back on his word.go back to
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P n/-ing, V P P n/-ing
If you go back to a task or activity, you start doing it again after you have stopped doing it for a period of time.
I now look forward to going back to work as soon as possible...
Amy went back to studying.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you go back to a particular point in a lecture, discussion, or book, you start to discuss it.
Let me just go back to the point I was making.go before
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
Something that has gone before has happened or been discussed at an earlier time.
This is a rejection of most of what has gone before.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
To go before a judge, tribunal, or court of law means to be present there as part of an official or legal process.
The case went before Mr Justice Henry on December 23 and was adjourned.go by
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you say that time goes by, you mean that it passes.
My grandmother was becoming more and more sad and frail as the years went by.
= go on
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go by something, you use it as a basis for a judgment or action.
If they prove that I was wrong, then I'll go by what they say.go down
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P amount, V P from/to/by n
If a price, level, or amount goes down, it becomes lower or less than it was.
Income from sales tax went down...
Crime has gone down 70 percent...
Average life expectancy went down from about 70 to 67.
= fall
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P on n
If you go down on your knees or on all fours, you lower your body until it is supported by your knees, or by your hands and knees.
I went down on my knees and prayed for guidance.
= get down
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P num, also V P
In sport, if a person or team goes down, they are defeated in a match or contest.
They went down 2-1 to Australia.
= lose
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P adv
If you say that a remark, idea, or type of behaviour goes down in a particular way, you mean that it gets a particular kind of reaction from a person or group of people.
Solicitors advised their clients that a tidy look went down well with the magistrates.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When the sun goes down, it goes below the horizon.
...the glow left in the sky after the sun has gone down.
= set
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a ship goes down, it sinks. If a plane goes down, it crashes out of the sky.
Their aircraft went down during a training exercise.
7 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a computer goes down, it stops functioning temporarily.
The main computers went down for 30 minutes.
8 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
To go down means to happen. (INFORMAL)
`What's going down? Any ideas?'
= happengo for
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go for a particular thing or way of doing something, you choose it.
People tried to persuade him to go for a more gradual reform programme.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go for someone or something, you like them very much. (INFORMAL)
I tend to go for large dark men.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go for someone, you attack them.
Pantieri went for him, gripping him by the throat.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you say that a statement you have made about one person or thing also goes for another person or thing, you mean that the statement is also true of this other person or thing.
It is illegal to dishonour bookings; that goes for restaurants as well as customers.
5 [PHRASAL VERB]
If something goes for a particular price, it is sold for that amount.
Some old machines go for as much as 35,000 pounds.
= fetchgo in
[PHRASAL VERB] V P
If the sun goes in, a cloud comes in front of it and it can no longer be seen. (BRIT)
The sun went in, and the breeze became cold.
≠ come outgo into
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go into something, you describe or examine it fully or in detail.
It was a private conversation and I don't want to go into details about what was said.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go into something, you decide to do it as your job or career.
Mr Pok has now gone into the tourism business.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If an amount of time, effort, or money goes into something, it is spent or used to do it, get it, or make it.
Is there a lot of effort and money going into this sort of research?go off
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P n
If you go off someone or something, you stop liking them. (BRIT INFORMAL)
`Why have they gone off him now?'--`It could be something he said.'...
I started to go off the idea.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If an explosive device or a gun goes off, it explodes or fires.
A few minutes later the bomb went off, destroying the vehicle.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If an alarm bell goes off, it makes a sudden loud noise.
Then the fire alarm went off. I just grabbed my clothes and ran out.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If an electrical device goes off, it stops operating.
As the water came in the windows, all the lights went off.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P adv/prep
If you say how an organized event went off, you are saying whether everything happened in the way that was planned or hoped.
The meeting went off all right...
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
Food or drink that has gone off has gone bad. (BRIT)
Don't eat that! It's mouldy. It's gone off!go on
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P -ing, V P with n, V P
If you go on doing something, or go on with an activity, you continue to do it.
Unemployment is likely to go on rising this year...
I'm all right here. Go on with your work...
I don't want to leave, but I can't go on.
= carry on
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If something is going on, it is happening.
I don't know what's going on.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a process or institution goes on, it continues to happen or exist.
The population failed to understand the necessity for the war to go on.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you say that a period of time goes on, you mean that it passes.
Renewable energy will become progressively more important as time goes on.
= go by
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to-inf
If you go on to do something, you do it after you have done something else.
Alliss retired from golf in 1969 and went on to become a successful broadcaster...
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P prep/adv
If you go on to a place, you go to it from the place that you have reached.
He goes on to Holland tomorrow.
7 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P with quote
If you go on, you continue saying something or talking about something.
Meer cleared his throat several times before he went on...
`Go on,' Chee said. `I'm interested.'
8 [PHRASAL VERB] V P about n, V P at n to-inf, also V P at n
If you go on about something, or in British English go on at someone, you continue talking about the same thing, often in an annoying way. (INFORMAL)
Expectations have been raised with the Government going on about choice and market forces...
She's always going on at me to have a baby.
9 [PHRASAL VERB] only imper, V P
You say `Go on' to someone to persuade or encourage them to do something. (INFORMAL)
Go on, it's fun.
10 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P n
If you talk about the information you have to go on, you mean the information you have available to base an opinion or judgment on.
But you have to go on the facts...
There's not much to go on.
11 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If an electrical device goes on, it begins operating.
A light went on at seven every evening.
= come ongo out
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If you go out, you leave your home in order to do something enjoyable, for example to go to a party, a bar, or the cinema.
I'm going out tonight.
≠ stay in
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P with n, pl-n V P
If you go out with someone, the two of you spend time together socially, and have a romantic or sexual relationship.
I once went out with a French man...
They've only been going out for six weeks.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P to-inf, V P and inf
If you go out to do something, you make a deliberate effort to do it.
You do not go out to injure opponents...
It will be a marvellous occasion and they should go out and enjoy it.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a light goes out, it stops shining.
The bedroom light went out after a moment.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If something that is burning goes out, it stops burning.
The fire seemed to be going out.
6 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a message goes out, it is announced, published, or sent out to people.
Word went out that a column of tanks was on its way.
7 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When a television or radio programme goes out, it is broadcast. (BRIT)
The series goes out at 10.30pm, Fridays, on Channel 4.
8 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When the tide goes out, the water in the sea gradually moves back to a lower level.
The tide was going out.
≠ come in
9 [PHRASE] V inflects
You can say `My heart goes out to him' or `My sympathy goes out to her' to express the strong sympathy you have for someone in a difficult or unpleasant situation.
My heart goes out to Mrs Adams and her fatherless children.go over
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go over a document, incident, or problem, you examine, discuss, or think about it very carefully.
I won't know how successful it is until an accountant has gone over the books.go over to
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If someone or something goes over to a different way of doing things, they change to it.
The Armed Forces could do away with conscription and go over to a volunteer system.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you go over to a group or political party, you join them after previously belonging to an opposing group or party.
Only a small number of tanks and paratroops have gone over to his side.go round
see go aroundgo through
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n, V P n
If you go through an experience or a period of time, especially an unpleasant or difficult one, you experience it.
He was going through a very difficult time...
South Africa was going through a period of irreversible change.
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go through a lot of things such as papers or clothes, you look at them, usually in order to sort them into groups or to search for a particular item.
It was evident that someone had gone through my possessions.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If you go through a list, story, or plan, you read or check it from beginning to end.
Going through his list of customers is a massive job.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
When someone goes through a routine, procedure, or series of actions, they perform it in the way they usually do.
Every night, they go through the same routine: he throws open the bedroom window, she closes it.
5 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a law, agreement, or official decision goes through, it is approved by a parliament or committee.
The bill might have gone through if the economy was growing.
= get throughgo through with
[PHRASAL VERB] V P P n
If you go through with an action you have decided on, you do it, even though it may be very unpleasant or difficult for you.
Richard pleaded for Belinda to reconsider and not to go through with the divorce.go towards
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n/-ing, V P n/-ing
If an amount of money goes towards something, it is used to pay part of the cost of that thing.
One per cent of total public spending should eventually go towards the arts...
Under the new approach more money will go towards improving the standard of training.go under
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a business or project goes under, it becomes unable to continue in operation or in existence. (BUSINESS)
If one firm goes under it could provoke a cascade of bankruptcies.
= collapse
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a boat, ship, or person in a sea or river goes under, they sink below the surface of the water.
The ship went under, taking with her all her crew.
= sinkgo up
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P to/from/by n, V P amount
If a price, amount, or level goes up, it becomes higher or greater than it was.
Interest rates went up...
The cost has gone up to $1.95 a minute...
Prices have gone up 61 percent since deregulation.
= rise, increase
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
When a building, wall, or other structure goes up, it is built or fixed in place.
He noticed a new building going up near Whitaker Park.
3 [PHRASAL VERB] V P, V P in n
If something goes up, it explodes or starts to burn, usually suddenly and with great intensity.
I was going to get out of the building in case it went up...
The hotel went up in flames.
4 [PHRASAL VERB] V P
If a shout or cheer goes up, it is made by a lot of people together.
A cheer went up from the other passengers.go with
1 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If one thing goes with another thing, the two things officially belong together, so that if you get one, you also get the other.
...the lucrative $250,000 salary that goes with the job.
= accompany
2 [PHRASAL VERB] V P n
If one thing goes with another thing, it is usually found or experienced together with the other thing.
For many women, the status which goes with being a wife is important.go without
[PHRASAL VERB] V P n/-ing, V P
If you go without something that you need or usually have or do, you do not get it or do it.
I have known what it is like to go without food for days...
The embargo won't hurt us because we're used to going without.♦♦♦ go1 /g'oʊ/ (go goes going went gone) MOVING OR LEAVING
In most cases the past participle of go is gone, but occasionally you use `been': see been.
1 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V prep/adv, V amount
When you go somewhere, you move or travel there.
We went to Rome...
Gladys had just gone into the kitchen...
I went home at the weekend...
It took us an hour to go three miles.
2 [VERB] V, V
When you go, you leave the place where you are.
Let's go...
She's going tomorrow.
3 [VERB] V -ing, V -ing, V for n
You use go to say that someone leaves the place where they are and does an activity, often a leisure activity.
We went swimming very early...
Maybe they've just gone shopping...
He went for a walk.
4 [VERB] V to-inf, V and v, V inf
When you go to do something, you move to a place in order to do it and you do it. You can also go and do something, and in American English, you can go do something. However, you always say that someone went and did something.
His second son, Paddy, had gone to live in Canada...
I must go and see this film...
Go ask whoever you want.
5 [VERB] V to n, V to n
If you go to school, work, or church, you attend it regularly as part of your normal life.
She will have to go to school...
His son went to a top university in America.
6 [VERB] V prep/adv
When you say where a road or path goes, you are saying where it begins or ends, or what places it is in.
There's a mountain road that goes from Blairstown to Millbrook Village.
= lead
7 [VERB] with brd-neg, V -ing, V -ing
You can use go in expressions such as `don't go telling everybody', in order to express disapproval of the kind of behaviour you mention, or to tell someone not to behave in that way.
You don't have to go running upstairs every time she rings...
Don't you go thinking it was your fault.
8 [VERB] V adv/prep, V adv/prep
You can use go with words like `further' and `beyond' to show the degree or extent of something.
He went even further in his speech to the conference...
Some physicists have gone so far as to suggest that the entire Universe is a sort of gigantic computer.
9 [VERB] V adv
If you say that a period of time goes quickly or slowly, you mean that it seems to pass quickly or slowly.
The weeks go so quickly!
= pass
10 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If you say where money goes, you are saying what it is spent on.
Most of my money goes on bills...
The money goes to projects chosen by the wider community.
11 [VERB] V to n, V to n
If you say that something goes to someone, you mean that it is given to them.
A lot of credit must go to the chairman and his father...
The job went to Yuri Skokov, a capable administrator.
12 [VERB] V on n, V on n
If someone goes on television or radio, they take part in a television or radio programme.
The Turkish president has gone on television to defend stringent new security measures...
We went on the air, live, at 7.30.
13 [VERB] V, V
If something goes, someone gets rid of it.
The Institute of Export now fears that 100,000 jobs will go...
If people stand firm against the tax, it is only a matter of time before it has to go.
14 [VERB] V
If someone goes, they leave their job, usually because they are forced to.
He had made a humiliating tactical error and he had to go.
15 [VERB] V into/in n
If something goes into something else, it is put in it as one of the parts or elements that form it.
...the really interesting ingredients that go into the dishes that we all love to eat.
16 [VERB] V, V prep/adv
If something goes in a particular place, it fits in that place or should be put there because it is the right size or shape.
He was trying to push it through the hole and it wouldn't go.
...This knob goes here.
17 [VERB] V prep/adv, V prep/adv
If something goes in a particular place, it belongs there or should be put there, because that is where you normally keep it.
The shoes go on the shoe shelf...
`Where does everything go?'
18 [VERB] V into num
If you say that one number goes into another number a particular number of times, you are dividing the second number by the first.
Six goes into thirty five times.
19 [VERB] V, V
If one of a person's senses, such as their sight or hearing, is going, it is getting weak and they may soon lose it completely. (INFORMAL)
His eyes are going; he says he has glaucoma...
Lately he'd been making mistakes; his nerve was beginning to go.
= fail
20 [VERB] V
If something such as a light bulb or a part of an engine is going, it is no longer working properly and will soon need to be replaced.
I thought it looked as though the battery was going.♦♦♦ go2 /g'oʊ/ (go goes going went gone) LINK VERB USES
1 [V-LINK] V adj, V adj, V prep
You can use go to say that a person or thing changes to another state or condition. For example, if someone goes crazy, they become crazy, and if something goes green, it changes colour and becomes green.
I'm going bald...
You'd better serve it to them before it goes cold...
50,000 companies have gone out of business.
2 [V-LINK] V adj, V adj
You can use go when indicating whether or not someone wears or has something. For example, if someone goes barefoot, they do not wear any shoes.
The baby went naked on the beach...
But if you arm the police won't more criminals go armed?
3 [V-LINK] V -ed
You can use go before adjectives beginning with `un-' to say that something does not happen. For example, if something goes unheard, nobody hears it.
As President, he affirmed that no tyranny went unnoticed.♦♦♦ go3 /g'oʊ/ (go goes going went gone) OTHER VERB USES, NOUN USES, AND PHRASES
1 [VERB] V adv, V adv
You use go to talk about the way something happens. For example, if an event or situation goes well, it is successful.
She says everything is going smoothly...
How did it go at the hairdresser's?
2 [VERB] V, V
If a machine or device is going, it is working.
What about my copier? Can you get it going again?...
I said, `My car won't go in fog'.
3 [VERB] V
If a bell goes, it makes a noise, usually as a signal for you to do something.
The bell went for the break.
4 [V-RECIP] V with n, pl-n V together, V (non-recip)
If something goes with something else, or if two things go together, they look or taste nice together.
I was searching for a pair of grey gloves to go with my new gown...
I can see that some colours go together and some don't...
Wear something else. This won't go.
5 [VERB] V that, V prep, V with quote
You use go to introduce something you are quoting. For example, you say the story goes or the argument goes just before you quote all or part of it.
The story goes that she went home with him that night...
The story goes like this...
As the saying goes, `There's no smoke without fire.'
6 [VERB] V with sound, V with sound
You use go when indicating that something makes or produces a sound. For example, if you say that something goes `bang', you mean it produces the sound `bang'.
She stopped in front of a painting of a dog and she started going `woof woof'...
The button on his jeans went POP.
7 [VERB] V with quote, V to n with quote
You can use go instead of `say' when you are quoting what someone has said or what you think they will say. (INFORMAL)
They say `Tom, shut up' and I go `No, you shut up'...
He goes to me: `Oh, what do you want?'
8 [N-COUNT] oft N at n/-ing
A go is an attempt at doing something.
I always wanted to have a go at football...
She won on her first go...
Her hair was bright orange. It took us two goes to get the colour right.
9 [N-COUNT] poss N
If it is your go in a game, it is your turn to do something, for example to play a card or move a piece.
I'm two behind you but it's your go...
Now whose go is it?
= turn
10
see also going, gone
11 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR to-inf, PHR for n
If you go all out to do something or go all out for something, you make the greatest possible effort to do it or get it. (INFORMAL)
They will go all out to get exactly what they want...
They're ready to go all out for the Premier League title next season.
12 [PHRASE] PHR with cl
You use expressions like as things go or as children go when you are describing one person or thing and comparing them with others of the same kind. (INFORMAL)
This is a straightforward case, as these things go...
He's good company, as small boys go.
13 [PHRASE] PHR after v
If you do something as you go along, you do it while you are doing another thing, without preparing it beforehand.
Learning how to become a parent takes time. It's a skill you learn as you go along.
14 [PHRASE] Vs inflect
If you say that someone has gone and done something, you are expressing your annoyance at the foolish thing they have done. (INFORMAL)
Well, he's gone and done it again, hasn't he?...
Somebody goes and does something mindless like that and just destroys everything for you.
15 [CONVENTION]
You say `Go for it' to encourage someone to increase their efforts to achieve or win something. (INFORMAL)
16 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
If someone has a go at you, they criticize you, often in a way that you feel is unfair. (mainly BRIT INFORMAL)
Some people had a go at us for it, which made us more angry.
17 [CONVENTION]
If someone says `Where do we go from here?' they are asking what should be done next, usually because a problem has not been solved in a satisfactory way.
18 [PHRASE] V inflects, PHR n
If you say that someone is making a go of something such as a business or relationship, you mean that they are having some success with it.
I knew we could make a go of it and be happy.
19 [PHRASE] usu v-link PHR, PHR after v
If you say that someone is always on the go, you mean that they are always busy and active. (INFORMAL)
I got a new job this year where I am on the go all the time.
20 [PHRASE] V inflects, usu PHR after v
If you have something on the go, you have started it and are busy doing it.
Do you like to have many projects on the go at any one time?
21 [PHRASE] amount PHR
If you say that there are a particular number of things to go, you mean that they still remain to be dealt with.
I still had another five operations to go.
22 [PHRASE] amount PHR, oft PHR prep
If you say that there is a certain amount of time to go, you mean that there is that amount of time left before something happens or ends.
There is a week to go until the elections.
23 [PHRASE] n PHR
If you are in a café or restaurant and ask for an item of food to go, you mean that you want to take it away with you and not eat it there. (mainly AM; in BRIT, use to take out, to take away)
Large fries to go.