Meaning trap

go for

attack

to attack someone or something, either physically or with words.

phrasal verbB2occasional

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

attack

to attack someone or something, either physically or with words.

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.

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

The dog suddenly went for the mailman as he walked past the gate.relationships
In some debates, people go for their opponents personally instead of focusing on the topic.IELTS speaking

Pattern: go for + noun/pronoun

WrongWhy are you going for at me?

RightWhy are you going for me?

'Go for someone' takes a direct object — no extra preposition. (For criticism, 'have a go at' is also common.)

Patterngo for + noun/pronoun

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff The dog suddenly attacked the postman.

Natural The dog went for the postman.

'Go for' naturally means launch at / attack, and covers verbal attacks too. 'Suddenly attacked' is flatter.

Words that usually travel with it.

Different from 'go for' meaning 'choose'; here it means to attack.

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.