go
We need to go to the store before it closes.
This example shows the basic meaning of 'go' as moving to a destination.
to move or travel from one place to another
Let's go to the park this afternoon.
This sentence uses 'go' to express the action of traveling to a specific location.
The train goes to the city center.
Here, 'goes' indicates the direction of travel.
The most common meaning of 'go' is physical movement from one place to another.
to function or operate
My computer won't go anymore.
In this context, 'go' means the computer is not working.
This informal usage is common in everyday speech.
to be allowed or permitted
You can't go doing that in here!
Here, 'go' means to be permitted to do something.
This usage is often used in negative constructions.
to become or turn into
The milk went bad overnight.
In this case, 'went' means the milk spoiled.
This usage is common in informal speech.
to be in a particular state or condition
How's it going?
Here, 'going' refers to the state or condition of things.
This is a very common informal usage.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Irregular Verb Forms
Remember that 'go' is an irregular verb with past tense 'went' and past participle 'gone'.
Common Phrasal Verbs
Many common phrasal verbs use 'go', such as 'go out', 'go back', and 'go on'.
Idiomatic Uses
Many idiomatic expressions use 'go', such as 'go for it' and 'go with the flow'.
Gold Rule
Basic Meaning
The primary meaning of 'go' is to move or travel from one place to another.
Irregular Verb
Always use 'went' for the past tense and 'gone' for the past participle.
Common Phrasal Verbs
Many common phrasal verbs use 'go', such as 'go out', 'go back', and 'go on'.
Word Origin
Old English 'gān', from Proto-Germanic 'gāną', from Proto-Indo-European 'gʰeh₁-'. Related to Dutch 'gaan', German 'gehen', and Gothic 'gāhan'.
Usage Notes
'Go' is an irregular verb with past tense 'went' and past participle 'gone'. It is one of the most common verbs in English and has many idiomatic uses.