# go in for

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/go-in-for
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. to enjoy or like

phrasal verb · CEFR B2 · British English · Informal

to have an interest in something or to enjoy a particular activity.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Usually followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form).

### 2. to enter a competition

phrasal verb · CEFR B2 · British English

to take part in a competition or an exam.

For teachers: 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.

Usage: Takes a direct object, typically the name of the event or qualification.

### 3. to choose a career

phrasal verb · CEFR B2 · British English

to choose a particular type of work or career.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I don't really go in for team sports.
- She decided to go in for the national poetry competition after her teacher praised her work.
- While many modern architects prefer minimalist designs, he doesn't go in for that style, favoring more traditional aesthetics instead.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.