Meaning trap
go for
attack
to attack someone or something, either physically or with words.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
to attack someone or something, either physically or with words.
Another meaning of 'go for' is 'choose or try to get'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
The dog suddenly went for the mailman as he walked past the gate.
In some debates, people go for their opponents personally instead of focusing on the topic.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: Why are you going for at me?
Say: Why are you going for me?
'Go for someone' takes a direct object — no extra preposition. (For criticism, 'have a go at' is also common.)
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
'Go for' naturally means launch at / attack, and covers verbal attacks too. 'Suddenly attacked' is flatter.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
go for + target
- the throat
- him
- each other
- the ball
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- go for (choose or try to get) — Another meaning of 'go for' is 'choose or try to get'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.