Part 1 of 3 · Same verb · different particle

“go” phrasal verbs

Same verb, different particle, different meaning. “go” has 16 of them, so they come in 3 parts. Learn these 6 one at a time, then test yourself.

16 phrasal verbslisten & quiz

against

ahead along along with around

back

go + against · 1 of 6

go against

oppose or violate

go against sth

to do something that is not in agreement with a rule, belief, or someone's wishes; to oppose or act against something or someone.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

He didn't want to go against his parents' advice, but he chose a different career.

A: Are you really going to skip the meeting?
B: I know it goes against the rules, but I have something important to do.

Common mistake

Not: It goes against to my beliefs.

Say: It goes against my beliefs.

'Go against' takes the object directly — no 'to'.

More on “go against”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it is sometimes necessary to go against tradition if you want to achieve something new.

Tell it apart

Her view goes against the majority.

opposes / conflicts with

She went along with the majority.

agreed / accepted

Goes with

go against + rule/wish

Practice saying this

Next: go ahead

go + ahead · 2 of 6

go ahead

proceed

go ahead with sth

A scene showing “go ahead” meaning “start after permission”.

to start doing something or continue after getting permission or deciding it’s okay.

How oftenVery common

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

If you’re ready, you can go ahead and start the presentation.

A: Is it okay if I ask a question now?
B: Sure, go ahead.

Common mistake

Not: Can I start? — Yes, go ~~ahead to start.~~

Say: Can I start? — Yes, go ahead.

'Go ahead' stands alone as permission. Don't add 'to + verb'.

More on “go ahead”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

During the exam, the teacher told us to go ahead and open our papers.

Tell it apart

Go ahead, ask me anything.

permission / encouragement

The project went ahead.

it took place

Goes with

go ahead (and)

Practice saying this

Next: go along

go + along · 3 of 6

go along

to go to a place or event

go along to/with [place/event/person)

to travel to or attend a place, event, or activity, often with other people or as part of a plan.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I decided to go along to the meeting even though I wasn't sure what it was about.

A: Are you going to the concert tonight?
B: Yeah, I think I'll go along with Sarah and Tom.

Common mistake

Not: I went along the party.

Say: I went along to the party.

You go along TO an event — don't drop 'to'.

More on “go along”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my hometown, I often go along to local festivals with my friends because it's a great way to relax after exams.

Tell it apart

Do you fancy going along to the gig?

attending

I'll go along with that.

agreeing

Goes with

go along (to)

Practice saying this

Next: go along with

go + along with · 4 of 6

go along with

agree with someone or something

go along with sth

to agree with an idea, plan, or person, often without arguing or showing strong feelings.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I didn’t really like the idea, but I decided to go along with it to keep everyone happy.

A: Are you okay with meeting earlier tomorrow?
B: Sure, I can go along with that.

Common mistake

Not: I go along with to your idea.

Say: I go along with your idea.

'Go along with' is followed directly by what you accept — no extra 'to'.

More on “go along with”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In group projects, I usually go along with the majority’s decision, even if I have a different opinion.

Tell it apart

I'll go along with the group's choice.

accept it

I'll go against the group's choice.

oppose it

Goes with

go along with

Practice saying this

Next: go around

go + around · 5 of 6

go around

circulate

go around sth

to move from person to person or place to place, often spreading information, news, or an object.

How oftenCommon

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

There’s a rumor going around that our teacher is leaving.

A: Did you hear what’s going around about the new manager?
B: Yeah, everyone’s talking about it.

Common mistake

Not: A rumour went ~~around to everyone.~~

Say: A rumour went around.

'Go around' already implies it spread to people. Don't add 'to everyone'.

More on “go around”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my school, important announcements usually go around quickly because students share them on social media.

Tell it apart

There's a nasty cold going around.

spreading person to person

There isn't enough to go around.

enough for everyone

Goes with

go around

Practice saying this

Next: go back

go + back · 6 of 6

go back

return

go back to [place)

To return to a place where you were before.

How oftenVery common

LevelB1

Used inSpeech & writing

Examples

I have to go back to the office because I forgot my laptop.

A: Are you leaving already?
B: Yeah, but I’ll go back later to pick up my bag.

Common mistake

Not: I want to go back to home.

Say: I want to go back home.

No 'to' before 'home' — 'go back home', but 'go back TO the office'.

More on “go back”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I could travel anywhere, I would go back to Japan because I really enjoyed my time there.

Tell it apart

I'll go back tomorrow.

return

This tradition goes back centuries.

dates from

Goes with

go back + to/place

Practice saying this

Test yourself: which “go” fits?

Fill the gap

Which “go” fits?

Read the sentence, then pick the phrasal verb that belongs in the gap.

All of “go”

16 phrasal verbs in 3 parts.

Turn this into speaking practice

Pick one and say it out loud. Save the ones you mix up.

go against go ahead go along go along with go around go back