going

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Currently in force or normal, especially for a price or rate.

   Grammar: Only before a noun: the going rate, not 'the rate is going'.

   Patterns

   • the going rate
   • the going price

   The going rate for a babysitter here is fifteen dollars an hour.

   They paid the going price for the old car.

   What's the going fee for a lesson?

2. 2adjectivebefore a nounbusiness

   Working or operating successfully, as in a business that is still running.

   Grammar: Appears in the set phrase 'going concern'.

   Patterns

   • a going concern

   The bakery was sold as a going concern.

   A going business is worth more than its equipment.

3. 3noununcountableBritish

   The state of the ground, especially a racecourse, or how easy it is to make progress.

   Grammar: Often with 'heavy', 'good', or 'tough'.

   Patterns

   • heavy going
   • good going
   • tough going

   The going was heavy after the rain.

   The hike was tough going on the steep trail.

   The horse prefers firm going.

4. 4nouncountable or uncountable

   The act of leaving a place, or the process of moving or traveling.

   Grammar: Often in phrases like 'comings and goings'.

   Patterns

   • comings and goings
   • the going of someone

   Nobody noticed her going.

   The comings and goings at the station never stopped.

Common combinations

the going rate

We offered the going rate for the work.

heavy going

The report was heavy going.

tough going

It was tough going up the hill.

going concern

The pub was sold as a going concern.

while the going is good

Leave while the going is good.

Synonyms and how they differ

current

Current means existing now, and unlike going it is not limited to prices.

prevailing

Prevailing is more formal and means widely accepted or usual.

standard

Standard means normal or expected, but not necessarily current.

conditions

Conditions is a broader word for the state of the ground or situation.

Opposites

Word family

go verb

to move or travel

goer noun

a person who goes, as in a churchgoer

outgoing adjective

friendly, or leaving

ongoing adjective

continuing now

Commonly confused: going or gong?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “going”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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