Phrasal verb
go in for
Definitions
01to enjoy or like
phr.v. to have an interest in something or to enjoy a particular activity.
phr.v. to have an interest in, a taste for, or a belief in something. Often used in the negative to express a lack of interest.
“I don't really go in for horror films; they are too scary for me.”
“While many of his colleagues preferred modern minimalist decor, he didn't much go in for that style, opting instead for traditional furnishings.”
British English · Informal
Usage
Usually followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).
02to enter a competition
phr.v. to take part in a competition or an exam.
phr.v. to enter oneself as a candidate for a competition, examination, or contest.
“Are you going to go in for the photography contest this year?”
“Despite her initial hesitation, she decided to go in for the advanced diploma, spending months preparing for the rigorous practical assessment.”
British English
Usage
Takes a direct object, typically the name of the event or qualification.
Synonyms
Antonyms
03to choose a career
phr.v. to choose a particular type of work or career.
phr.v. to adopt a particular profession, subject of study, or course of action as one's career.
“After university, he decided to go in for teaching.”
“It was expected that he would go in for law like his father, but he surprised everyone by pursuing a career in landscape architecture instead.”
British English
Synonyms
Teaching tip
contrast with 'go for' (to choose or attack); 'go in for' implies a more general preference or a formal entry into a contest.
Phrasal verb
Particles
in for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
go + in + for + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/go-in-for