Come vs Go
What’s the difference between them?
Come
Meaning:
Come is an intransitive verb meaning 'to move or travel toward the speaker or toward a specified place; to approach.'
Examples:
1. Come on, let's get some fun!
2. Come over here and sit with me.
3. Come rain or shine, I will be there.
Go
Meaning:
Go (verb): move away from a place; proceed; progress; leave; depart.
Examples:
1. Go get your coat if you're going outside now.
2. I'm going to go check if the store is open.
3. Let's go and have some fun at the park!
Learn similar and opposite words to spot the difference
Synonyms
Antonyms
Come
1. Approach
2. Arrival
3. Advance
4. Proceed
5. Make one's way
1. Go
2. Depart
3. Leave
4. Shun
5. Avoid
Go
1. Proceed
2. Leave
3. Advance
4. Journey
5. Departure
1. Stop
2. Leave
3. Abstain
4. Avoid
5. Cease and Desist
Tricks for mastery
Useful tips to understand the difference between confusing words "Come", "Go".
1. When deciding which word to use, consider the context and the direction of movement.
2. If the motion is towards the speaker, use 'come'.
3. If the motion is away from the speaker, use 'go'.
4. Use mnemonics: 'Come in, go out'.
Practice English with the Promova app and avoid misusing confusing words
Frequently asked questions
When should the word 'come' be used?
'Come' should be used when asking someone to move towards you, or when expressing willingness to accept an offer or invitation. For example, if you want someone to come to you, you would say, 'Come here.'
When is the appropriate context for using the word 'go'?
'Go' should be used when asking someone to move away from you, or when expressing a desire or intention to do something. For example, if you want someone to go away, you would say, 'Go away.'
Do the two words share the same pronunciation?
No, the two words do not share the same pronunciation. 'Come' is pronounced with a long 'o' sound, while 'go' is pronounced with a short 'o' sound.
What are some common mistakes people make when using these words?
A common mistake people make is using the wrong word in the wrong context. For example, using 'go' when they should be using 'come', or vice versAnother common mistake is mispronouncing the words, forgetting that 'come' has a longer 'o' sound than 'go'.
Fill in the gaps to check yourself
1. Im so tired. I think Ill ____ home now.
2. ____ outside and see if you can find your brother.
3. Im not sure what to do next. Can you ____ and ask for help?
4. ____ to the store and get some milk while youre out.
5. Please ____ away from me!
6. Im so excited. Lets ____!
1. Go
Explanation: This is the correct word to fill the gap due to the fact that the speaker is finished with their current activity and wants to go home.
2. Come
Explanation: This is the correct word to fill the gap because the speaker wants the other person to go outside and look for the brother, meaning that they need to come to the speaker.
3. Go
Explanation: This is the correct word to fill the gap because the speaker needs the other person to leave and ask for help.
4. Go
Explanation: This is the correct word to fill the gap because the speaker needs the other person to leave and go to the store to get milk.
5. Go
Explanation: This is the correct word to fill the gap because the speaker wants the other person to leave and move away from them.
6. Go
Explanation: This is the correct word to fill the gap because the speaker is excited and wants to leave in order to start the activity.
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Download the PDF with a list of commonly confused words made as flashcards for comfortable learning.
List of Commonly Confused Words
Finding your way around the English language can be hard, especially since there are so many confusing words and rules. So, a list of the most confusing words in English is an extremely useful tool for improving language accuracy and sharing the ideas clearly.