Let’s take a look at the following three sentences below. Do you know which one is correct?
- After work I come home.
- After work I go to my home.
- After work I go home.
The main problem we encounter with these two verbs is that they have the same basic meaning, but we use them for different directions. Read on below for some general rules regarding come and go.
Come
We use 'come' when we are trying to show movement toward, or in the general direction of the speaker or the person being spoken to.
- Can I come to the concert too? Movement toward the person being spoken to.
- Come and meet me at my place. Movement toward the speaker.
- Come here right now! Movement toward the speaker.
- My friend is coming to see me tomorrow. Movement toward the speaker.
Go
We use 'go' when we want to show movement away from the speaker or the person being spoken to.
- I’m going home now. Movement away from the speaker, toward the speaker’s home.
- Are you going to the party? Movement away from the speaker and toward the party.
- I want to go to France for holiday. Movement away from the speaker and toward France.
- When did you go to France? Movement away from the person being spoken to and toward France.
As you can see, the rules are fairly simple. However, when you’re trying to speak fluently and quickly, it’s far from easy.