30.8. Common Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal Verbs with 'Go'

Phrasal verbs are a fundamental part of the English language, often posing a challenge for learners due to their idiomatic nature. Among these, phrasal verbs with the verb "go" are particularly prevalent and versatile. Understanding these phrasal verbs is crucial for intermediate-level English learners as they frequently appear in both spoken and written English. Below, we explore some common phrasal verbs with "go," providing definitions, examples, and usage tips to help you incorporate them into your everyday English.

1. Go Ahead

The phrasal verb "go ahead" is used to express permission or encouragement to proceed with an action. It can also indicate the continuation of a process or activity.

• Meaning: To proceed or continue with a plan or action.
• Example: "If you have any questions, please go ahead and ask."
• Usage Tip: Use "go ahead" when you want to give someone the green light to continue or start something.

2. Go On

"Go on" is a versatile phrasal verb that can mean to continue, to happen, or to encourage someone to do something.

• Meaning: To continue; to occur; to encourage.
• Example: "Please go on with your story, I'm very interested."
• Usage Tip: Use "go on" to indicate continuation or to prompt someone to keep speaking or explaining.

3. Go Out

This phrasal verb is commonly used to describe leaving a place, especially for social activities, or when something stops burning or shining.

• Meaning: To leave a place for social activities; to stop burning or shining.
• Example: "They decided to go out for dinner tonight."
• Usage Tip: Use "go out" when talking about socializing or when a light or fire extinguishes.

4. Go Over

"Go over" is often used to describe the act of reviewing or examining something carefully.

• Meaning: To review or examine something in detail.
• Example: "Let's go over the report before the meeting."
• Usage Tip: Use "go over" when you need to check or review information thoroughly.

5. Go Through

This phrasal verb can mean to experience something difficult or to examine something carefully.

• Meaning: To experience a challenging situation; to examine something carefully.
• Example: "She had to go through a lot of stress during the project."
• Usage Tip: Use "go through" when discussing experiences or when you need to scrutinize details.

6. Go Back

"Go back" is used to indicate returning to a place or returning to a previous state or condition.

• Meaning: To return to a place or previous condition.
• Example: "After the vacation, they will go back to work."
• Usage Tip: Use "go back" when referring to returning to a location or reverting to a previous state.

7. Go Off

This phrasal verb can describe something making a sudden noise, like an alarm, or it can mean to stop liking something or someone.

• Meaning: To make a sudden noise; to stop liking something or someone.
• Example: "The alarm clock went off at 6 AM."
• Usage Tip: Use "go off" when referring to alarms or when discussing changes in preferences.

8. Go With

"Go with" is used to express compatibility or accompaniment, often in the context of fashion or decisions.

• Meaning: To match or accompany; to choose.
• Example: "That shirt goes well with your jeans."
• Usage Tip: Use "go with" when discussing things that match or when making choices.

9. Go Down

This phrasal verb can mean to decrease or to be remembered or recorded.

• Meaning: To decrease; to be remembered or recorded.
• Example: "The price of oil has gone down recently."
• Usage Tip: Use "go down" when talking about reductions or historical events.

10. Go Up

"Go up" is used to describe an increase or an ascent in position or value.

• Meaning: To increase; to ascend.
• Example: "The cost of living is going up every year."
• Usage Tip: Use "go up" when discussing increases or upward movements.

Incorporating these phrasal verbs into your vocabulary will enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English. Practice using them in sentences, and pay attention to their context when you encounter them in conversations or texts. Remember, the key to mastering phrasal verbs is consistent practice and exposure to their usage in everyday language. As you become more comfortable with these expressions, you'll find your fluency and comprehension improving significantly.

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39Common Phrasal Verbs: Phrasal Verbs with 'Look'

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