Cool MateAfter all why not vs Go for it
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
After all why not
InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Go for it
Top 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Go for itMost common: Go for it
| After all why not | Go for it | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˌɑːftə r ɔːl waɪ nɒt//🇺🇸 //ˌɑːftər ɔːl waɪ nɑːt// | 🇬🇧 //ɡəʊ fɔː ɪt//🇺🇸 //ɡoʊ fɔr ɪt// |
| Meaning | A way to say something is reasonable to do. | Try to do something, especially something challenging. |
| Example | We have some free time, after all, why not go to the beach? | If you want to start a business, just go for it! |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | after all, why not, consider this: after all, why not, say this: after all, why not | go for it, go for a challenge, go for success, go for your dreams, go for a goal |
| Common mistakes | Using in a very serious or formal context., Confusing it with 'after all' which doesn't include 'why not'. | Using it in formal writing or speeches., Confusing with similar phrases like 'give it a try'., Not using it in a supportive tone. |
| Usage notes | Use this phrase when giving a reason or justification, often to encourage someone to consider an idea. It's informal, so avoid in formal situations. | Use this phrase to encourage someone to take a chance or make an effort. It's casual and positive, suitable for conversation. Not appropriate in very formal situations. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: After all why not vs Go for it
What's the difference between After all why not and Go for it?
After all why not: A way to say something is reasonable to do. Go for it: Try to do something, especially something challenging.
Which is more formal: After all why not and Go for it?
Go for it is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: After all why not and Go for it?
Go for it is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
After all why not: We have some free time, after all, why not go to the beach? Go for it: If you want to start a business, just go for it!
Can I use After all why not and Go for it interchangeably?
Not always. After all why not and Go for it are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.