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What is the Meaning of “Go”?

Showing meaning 1 of 3 · Go has 3 distinct meanings in English.

Go
/ɡoʊ/

To move or travel from one place to a different place; to depart or leave a location.

Definition of Go (meaning 1 of 3 — verb)

Quick Meaning of Go

To move or travel from one place to a different place; to depart or leave a location.

Detailed Definition of Go

To move from one place to another; to travel or depart.

How to Pronounce Go

IPA: /ɡoʊ/
go

Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).

Tip: Pronounced like 'goh'; rhymes with 'know', 'slow', and 'show'.

Full pronunciation guide for “go” →

Other Meanings of Go

“Go” has 3 distinct meanings in English. You’re viewing meaning #1; here are the other 2:

Origin and Etymology of Go

From Old English 'gān'; Proto-Germanic 'ganhanan', meaning to walk or go.

How to Use Go in a Sentence

Each example shows “go” in the meaning “To move or travel from one place to…”, with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.

  • “I go to work every morning at eight o'clock.”
    A1 daily
  • “Where are you going this afternoon?”
    A1 conversation
  • “They have gone to the store to buy groceries.”
    A1 written

Synonyms and Antonyms of Go

Common Synonyms for Go

Smart Synonyms for Go — When to Use Each

travel
when the journey is longer or more significant
leave
when emphasizing departure from a place rather than

Antonyms of Go

See all synonyms for “go” →

Common Collocations with Go

These phrases pair with “go” in everyday English:

  • go to school
  • go home
  • go for a walk

Common Mistakes When Using Go

Even fluent speakers slip up with “go”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:

✗ Wrong: She go to the store yesterday.
✓ Correct: She went to the store yesterday.
Why: Past tense requires 'went'; 'go' is present tense. With 'yesterday', use past tense.
✗ Wrong: I am go to the park.
✓ Correct: I am going to the park.
Why: After 'am' or other forms of 'be', use the gerund '-ing' form 'going', not the base form 'go'.

Other Forms of Go

Frequently Asked Questions About Go

What is the meaning of "Go"?

To move or travel from one place to a different place; to depart or leave a location.

How do you pronounce "Go"?

The IPA is /ɡoʊ/. Pronounced like 'goh'; rhymes with 'know', 'slow', and 'show'.

What part of speech is "Go"?

"Go" is a verb at A1 level (Common European Framework).

What are synonyms for "Go"?

Common synonyms include move, travel, depart.

How do you use "Go" in a sentence?

For example: "I go to work every morning at eight o'clock."

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