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Anonymous Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

"to go doing smth" vs. "to go to do smth"

Hello!
Reading a short story, I came across this phrase "I reluctantly went looking for him on foot". I failed to find any grammatical explanation about this kind of expression and was wondering - why not "I went to look for him"? How are these two expressions are different?
Thank you for your help.
  

Top answer

There is no difference in meaning. I do, however, feel that "went looking" is less formal, perhaps used in a running narrative. I also have a feeling its usage is regional.

— Philip

  • There is no difference in meaning.
  • I do, however, feel that "went looking" is less formal, perhaps used in a running narrative.
  • I also have a feeling its usage is regional.
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2 Answers
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There is no difference in meaning. I do, however, feel that "went looking" is less formal, perhaps used in a running narrative. I also have a feeling its usage is regional.
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Anonymouswent looking for him
The pattern go + 'ing' is restricted to certain verbs. Verbs of named physical activities forms one group. go skiing, go swimming, go jogging, ... See

Another group, with fewer verbs, contains verbs of searching, often those with "for". go looking for, go hunting for, go digging (around) for, go rumma
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