Past Forms of Go: Went and Gone with Examples and Usage

The verb “go” is irregular, and its past forms are “went” and “gone.” This guide explains how to use them correctly in everyday English and academic contexts. You will also explore phrasal verbs, idioms, and exam-focused examples with practical exercises.

I. What Are the Past Forms of Go?

The verb “go” is one of the most commonly used verbs in English, and it's also an irregular verb. That means its past forms do not follow the standard rule of simply adding –ed. Instead, “go” changes form completely in the past tenses.

There are three main forms of “go”:

Remember that the past simple form “went” is used alone, while the past participle “gone” must be used with an auxiliary verb, such as have, has, or had.

Knowing these three forms—and how to use them correctly—is essential not only for grammar accuracy but also for clear communication in both everyday English and academic contexts.

• Review forms in have has had.

1. How to Use “Went” and “Gone” in Sentences

Although both “went” and “gone” are past forms of the verb “go,” they are used in different grammatical structures and should not be confused. Understanding when to use each will improve the accuracy of your writing and speaking.

Reminder:

• Use “went” for a specific time in the past (e.g. yesterday, in 2019).
• Use “gone” when the focus is on the result or experience, often with present relevance.

Examples:

• Incorrect: I gone to school yesterday.
• Correct: I went to school yesterday.

2. Phrasal Verbs with "Go" in English

Phrasal verbs are combinations of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that create a new meaning. The verb “go” forms many useful phrasal verbs that appear commonly in conversation, reading, and exams.

Below is a list of common phrasal verbs with “go,” along with their meanings and example sentences:

Common Phrasal Verbs with “Go”

Tips for Learning:

• Try using each phrasal verb in speaking or writing practice.
• Some phrasal verbs have multiple meanings. Focus on the most common usage first.
• Develop vocabulary recall by creating your own sentences with each phrase.

Mastering these phrasal verbs will help you sound more natural and fluent in English, especially in informal conversations and listening sections of language exams.

• See more in Phrasal verbs in English.

3. Idioms with "Go" in English

English idioms using the verb “go” often carry figurative meanings and appear frequently in spoken and written language. Learning these idioms can help you sound more natural, especially in casual conversations and high-level speaking or writing tasks.

Below are some of the most common idioms with “go,” along with their meanings and examples:

Common “Go” Idioms in Everyday English

How to Practice These Idioms:

• Use 1–2 idioms in responses during IELTS Speaking Part 2.
• Replace basic verbs with idiomatic phrases in writing (formal contexts when appropriate).
• Keep a personal idiom journal with your own examples.

Idioms like these can add nuance, personality, and fluency to your English—just be sure to use them in the right context and not overuse them in formal writing.

• Explore more with time idiom.

II. Applications in Exams and Academic Writing

Understanding how to properly use the verb “go” in its different forms—especially “went” and “gone”—can significantly improve your performance in standardized English exams and academic writing. This section will show you how to apply what you've learned in real test situations and formal contexts.

IELTS and TOEFL Writing Tasks

In IELTS Writing Task 1 (describing charts/maps) or Task 2 (essays), and in TOEFL essays, you may need to:

• Describe past events or trends → use “went”
  Example: The number of tourists went up dramatically in 2019.
• Show sequences or completed actions → use perfect tenses with “gone”
  Example: By 2020, many manufacturing jobs had gone overseas.
• Support opinions or examples with idioms (in moderation)
  Example (Task 2): To succeed in academic life, some students go the extra mile to improve their English.

Tips:

• Avoid informal idioms in formal essays unless specifically requested.
• Use “went” accurately to describe specific time periods in the past.
• Use “gone” to express results or background context in perfect tenses.

IELTS and APTIS Speaking Tests

In speaking sections, using the correct form of “go” can help you demonstrate both grammatical range and fluency.

Example Topics & Usage:

• Past Experiences:
  I went to Da Nang last year—it was my first time seeing the ocean.
• Describing routines or changes:
  Things have gone better since I started practicing English daily.
• Telling a story:
  I was nervous before the interview, but once I started speaking, everything went smoothly.

You can also safely include select idioms or phrasal verbs:

• We had to go through a lot of training before the event.
• Sometimes I just go with the flow when I speak English.
• These expressions, when used naturally, show flexibility in vocabulary and are especially helpful for scoring well in Speaking Band 7+.

Academic Reports and Essays

In formal writing for college or workplace contexts, “went” and “gone” are used to:

• Describe historical developments or sequences
  After the policy was introduced, crime rates went down noticeably.
• Emphasize outcomes or trends
  Many traditional crafts have gone extinct due to industrialization.
• Report observations or patterns
  The project has gone beyond its original scope.

Always ensure that your use of tense matches the timeframe and that idiomatic expressions are appropriate for the formality of the task.

III. Practice Exercises for Learners

To confidently use “go,” “went,” and “gone”—as well as related phrasal verbs and idioms—it’s essential to practice in different contexts. The exercises below are designed to help you apply what you've learned in real sentences, recognize common mistakes, and expand your range of expression.

Exercises 1. Fill in the Blanks with “go,” “went,” or “gone”

Choose the correct form of the verb:

1. I usually ______ to the gym after work.
2. She ______ to Paris last summer.
3. They have already ______ home.
4. We ______ hiking over the weekend.
5. He has never ______ abroad before.

Exercises 2. Spot and Correct the Mistakes

Find the error in each sentence and rewrite it correctly.

1. They has gone to school yesterday.
2. I have went shopping with her.
3. My friend go to Canada last year.
4. She gone to the library this morning.
5. We gone through a lot in that project.

Exercises 3. Match the Phrasal Verb with Its Meaning

Exercises 4. Complete the Sentences with Idioms Using “Go”

Fill in each blank with a suitable “go” idiom.

1. During my IELTS Speaking test, I suddenly ______ and forgot everything.
2. She's always willing to ______ to help her classmates.
3. Instead of resisting change, it's sometimes better to ______.
4. Things ______ when the equipment stopped working halfway.

Answers

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