to come vs. to go

– A2-B1 (elementary to intermediate) –

Practice Your Listening Comprehension

Practice Your Reading Comprehension

A common mistake among English language learners is incorrectly using the verbs, “to come” and “to go.”

DEFINITIONS

to come

• to move or travel in the direction of your location or the location of the person you are speaking to

to go

• to move or travel somewhere not related to your location or the location of the person you are speaking to

• to leave

EXAMPLES

• You are speaking to a friend on the phone. You invite them to a party at your house on the weekend.

  “Hey! Would you like to come to a party this weekend? It is at my place.”

  “Sure! That sounds great! What time should I come?”

  “Guests will arrive at 7:00 PM.”

  “Okay. I will see you soon!”

  In this situation, “come” refers to your house.

• You are speaking to your sibling. You and your sibling are at your parents’ house. You do not live at your parents’ house.

  “I am bored. I want to go home.” (1)

  “You cannot go. We still need to eat dinner. Mom is making a delicious meal.” (2)

  “It will not be dinner for hours. I want to go to the park. It is beautiful outside.” (3)

  “Okay, but you must come here again before 5:30 PM. Mom does not want you to miss dinner.”

  In this situation, “go (1)” refers to your home, which is not where you or your sibling is located. “Go (2)” means “leave.” “Go (3)” refers to the park, which is not where you or your sibling is located. “Come” refers to your parents’ house, which is where you and your sibling are located.

Do you make this mistake sometimes? Practice using these words in the comments below. Where do you like to go on the weekend? Who comes with you?