ENGLISH
REFERENCE

go forth

phrasal verb.
C1 Advanced Oxford Formal Literary
Definition

phrasal verb. to leave a place and go out into the world, often to start a new journey or task.

phrasal verb. to depart from a location in order to move forward or outward; often carries a formal, imperative, or biblical tone suggesting a mission or new beginning.


SIMPLE

The graduates were told to go forth and find their dreams.

CONTEXTUAL

After receiving their instructions, the explorers prepared to go forth into the unknown wilderness.

COMPLEX

The decree commanded the messengers to go forth to every corner of the empire and announce the new law to the citizens.

Particles
forth
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
go + forth
Usage

highly formal and often used in speeches, religious texts, or literature rather than daily conversation.

Teaching tip

anchor this to the word 'forward' to help students remember 'forth' means moving away from a starting point; mention its frequent use in graduation ceremonies.

Last updated April 24, 2026