How to use the verb ‘go’ in English
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How to Use the Verb 'Go' in English: Grammar Chart
🏄♂️ Go + -ing
We use go + -ing for many sports and activities like shopping, dancing, clubbing, etc.
- I want to go shopping this afternoon.
- We went kayaking on Lake Michigan.
- She loves going dancing on weekends.
🚶♂️ Go to — Work, Bed, School, University, Prison
We do not use “the” in these fixed expressions.
Work & Bed
- What time do you go to work?
- I’m tired. I’m going to bed.
School & University
Use without “the” when referring to attending as a student.
- The children couldn’t go to school because of the snow.
- Almost 40% of young people go to university.
Prison
Use without “the” when someone is sent there as a prisoner.
- He could go to prison if the judge finds him guilty.
🏛️ Go to a / the — Places and Events
Use go to a/the before nouns describing places or events. Use “the” for common city locations.
- I need to go to the dentist.
- I’m going to the bank after lunch.
- We’re going to a conference in Berlin next week.
To know when to use a or the, review the rules for articles.
🚴♀️ Go for a — Activities
We use go for a before nouns that describe short, recreational activities.
- The weather is great today. I’m going to go for a swim.
- I have a new bike. Would you like to go for a ride with me?
- Let’s go for a walk after dinner.
- After work, we often go for a drink.
- She goes for a run every morning.
✈️ Go on a — Trips and Holidays
We use go on a before nouns related to holidays, trips, tours, or journeys.
- They went on a cruise with their family.
- Let’s go on an excursion to explore the area.
- We’re planning to go on a trip to Japan next summer.
- She went on a tour of Europe last year.
- Would you like to go on a holiday next month?
💡 Quick Summary:
- Go + -ing → sports/activities: go swimming, go shopping
- Go to → work, bed, school, university, prison → no article
- Go to the/a → specific places/events: go to the doctor, go to a concert
- Go for a → short activities: go for a walk, go for a drink
- Go on a → longer trips/holidays: go on a cruise, go on a trip