Basics. Go to, Go on, Go for, and Go -ing Patterns: correct answers
Jump to answers ↓The verb go is incredibly flexible, but it requires specific prepositions or verb forms depending on the context. Choosing between go to, go on, go for, and go -ing is all about categorizing the type of activity or destination you are talking about.
Here is how to know exactly which pattern to use.
Go to: Destinations
Use go to when you are talking about moving toward a specific place or destination. If you can point to it on a map or it is a physical building, you usually need to.
- I need to go to the supermarket.
- We will go to Japan next year.
- She goes to the gym every morning.
The exception: There are a few special places where we drop the to. The most common ones are home, downtown, abroad, and there/here.
- ✅ I want to go home.
- ❌ I want to go to home.
Go on: Trips and events
Use go on for organized trips, journeys, and special events. You aren't just traveling to a building; you are participating in an experience.
- We are going on a vacation to the mountains.
- The pirate wants to go on a cruise.
- They decided to go on a date.
You also use go on for a few specific lifestyle choices, most notably: go on a diet and go on strike.
Go for: Activities as nouns
Use go for when the activity is expressed as a noun, particularly for brief, casual activities or routines that involve movement.
- Let's go for a walk in the forest.
- I usually go for a run in the morning.
- Do you want to go for coffee?
Notice that a walk and a run are nouns here, not verbs. We use an article (a) before them.
Go + -ing: Sports and leisure
When an activity ends in -ing (a gerund), you attach it directly to the verb go with absolutely no prepositions in between. We use this pattern for sports, hobbies, and leisure activities.
- Let's go swimming in the lake.
- I want to go sightseeing in Tokyo.
- We go skiing every winter.
Common mistakes to avoid
The most frequent mistake learners make is mixing up the pattern for activities, usually by inserting the word to where it doesn't belong.
Mistake 1: Adding "to" before an -ing activity When you use an -ing word for a leisure activity, never use to.
- ✅ I want to go shopping this weekend.
- ❌ I want to go to shopping this weekend.
Mistake 2: Using "to" instead of "for" with noun activities Remember that go to is for places (like a park). If the word describes the activity itself (like a walk), use go for.
- ✅ Whenever there is a full moon, I go for a walk.
- ❌ Whenever there is a full moon, I go to a walk.
A helpful trick: Sometimes you can express the exact same idea using two different patterns. For example, "I want to go for a swim" (using a noun) and "I want to go swimming" (using an -ing verb) are both perfectly correct. Just make sure you don't mix them together into "go to a swim"!
Correct answers
Question 1
The correct answers are I usually go for a run in the morning. and Next month, I will go on a diet.
We use go for a + noun for brief activities like a run, a walk, or a swim.
We use go on a for specific continuous states or trips, like a diet, a holiday, or a tour.
Question 2
Fill in the blanks to complete this cheesy romantic comedy movie synopsis.
The main characters finally decide to go on a date after months of awkward staring. They agree to go for coffee at the local cafe to get to know each other. The night ends perfectly when they go dancing under the stars.
The main characters finally decide to go on a date after months of awkward staring.
Use "go on" for specific planned events like a date, a strike, or a tour.
They agree to go for coffee at the local cafe to get to know each other.
Use "go for" before food, drinks, or casual meals (coffee, a drink, lunch).
The night ends perfectly when they go dancing under the stars.
Use "go + -ing verb" for fun activities and hobbies (dancing, bowling, fishing).
Question 3
Every morning, I go to the gym at 6 AM. After that, I usually go swimming in the local pool. In the evening, I like to go for a run with my energetic dog.
Grammar Rules for "Go":
- Use go to + place when traveling to a destination (e.g., go to the gym, go to Paris).
- Use go + -ing for sports and activities (e.g., go swimming, go skiing).
- Use go for + a/an + noun for specific physical activities like a run or a walk (e.g., go for a run).
Question 4
Complete the fitness influencer's daily routine post by dragging the right words into the gaps.
Every morning, I wake up early and go for a quick run around the park. After breakfast, I go to the gym to lift some heavy weights. On Sundays, I take it easy and just go cycling in the countryside.
Every morning, I wake up early and go for a quick run around the park.
Use "go for" + a noun when referring to activities like a run, a walk, or a swim.
After breakfast, I go to the gym to lift some heavy weights.
Use "go to" + a specific destination or building (the gym, the supermarket).
On Sundays, I take it easy and just go cycling in the countryside.
Use "go + -ing verb" for leisure and fitness activities (cycling, running, skiing).
Question 5
Help complete the friendly werewolf's evening routine by selecting the right option.
Whenever there is a full moon, I like to brush my fangs and _____ in the dark forest.
The correct answer is go for a walk.
We use the pattern go for a with nouns that describe brief physical activities (e.g., go for a walk, go for a run, go for a swim, go for a drive).
Question 6
The correct answers are She wants to go to the beach. and She wants to go swimming.
We use go to before a place (like the beach, Paris, or school).
We use go + -ing for activities and sports (like go swimming, go shopping, or go fishing).
We never say "go to shopping" or "go swim."
Question 7
Read the stressed pirate's diary entry and choose the correct phrase to complete his thought.
I am so tired of chasing treasure and fighting crocodiles! Next month, I think I will _____ to relax.
The correct answer is go on a cruise.
We use the pattern go on for organized trips, holidays, and events (e.g., go on a cruise, go on vacation, go on a tour, go on strike).
Question 8
Next year, I will go on a long vacation to Japan. I want to go to Tokyo first to see the bright city lights. While I'm there, I plan to go sightseeing every single day!
Grammar Rules for "Go":
- Use go on for words related to travel plans, like a vacation, a holiday, or a tour (e.g., go on vacation).
- Use go to before the name of a city, country, or specific place (e.g., go to Tokyo).
- Use go + -ing for tourist activities and hobbies (e.g., go sightseeing, go hiking).
Question 9
Help the excited traveler plan out their epic summer break itinerary by dragging the correct words to the blanks.
We usually go to the mountains every summer. This year, we want to go on a safari instead! I also hope we go swimming with dolphins while we are there.
We usually go to the mountains every summer.
Use "go to" + a place or destination (the mountains, the beach, Paris).
This year, we want to go on a safari instead!
Use "go on" + a trip, vacation, tour, or cruise.
I also hope we go swimming with dolphins while we are there.
Use "go + -ing verb" for sports and recreational activities (swimming, shopping, hiking).
Question 10
Let's go shopping on Saturday morning. Then, we can go for a walk in the park with the dogs. On Sunday, I want to go on a short trip to the lake to relax.
Grammar Rules for "Go":
- Use go + -ing for many recreational activities and sports (e.g., go shopping, go swimming).
- Use go for + a/an + noun for brief activities like a walk, a run, a swim, or a coffee (e.g., go for a walk).
- Use go on + a/an + noun for planned events like a trip, a tour, a cruise, or a vacation (e.g., go on a trip).
Question 11
Help Jon figure out his weekend plans with his very lazy cat by choosing the correct phrase.
Jon wants to _____ this weekend, but his cat just wants to sleep on the sofa and eat lasagna.
The correct answer is go shopping.
We use the pattern go + -ing when talking about recreational activities and sports (e.g., go shopping, go swimming, go fishing). Do not use "to" or "for" between "go" and the "-ing" word!