Understanding the Correct Usage of Verbs in Trip Descriptions

When it comes to describing your travel experiences, the right usage of verbs can make a big difference in clarity and tone. Many travelers and non-native English speakers often find themselves using the wrong verbs in their descriptions. In this article, we'll explore the correct use of verbs in describing trips, focusing on the differences between 'go on' and 'take'.

The Correct Verb Usage: 'Go On' vs. 'Take'

Let's start with the correct usage. When talking about trips, the correct verb to use is 'go on.' For example, 'One of the best trips I go on outside my town' or 'One of the best trips I went on outside my town.'

Here, it's crucial to include the preposition 'on.' This addition makes the sentence grammatically correct and easier to understand. The preposition 'on' is commonly used with the verb 'go' when describing trips. For instance, 'Last summer my trip to Nextcity was one of the best trips I went on outside my town.' Notice how 'went on' is the correct form to use here.

Uses of 'Go' and 'Went' with Tense

Let's look at the usage of 'go' and 'went' in present and past tenses:

Present Tense: Use 'go' to indicate a habit or a general truth. Example: 'One of the best trips I go on outside my town.' This suggests that you frequently go on trips outside your town, making it a common habit. Past Tense: Use 'went' to describe a specific trip that happened in the past. Example: 'One of the best trips I went on outside my town,' which refers to a particular trip you made in the past.

Both 'go on a trip' and 'take a trip' are used, but there's a subtle difference in their usage. While 'go on a trip' is more common in American English, 'take a trip' can be used in both forms of English.

Alternative Usage: 'Take'

Another correct verb to use is 'take.' This verb is also commonly used when talking about trips. For instance:

Present Tense: 'One of the best trips I take outside my town is to Fredericksburg.' This sentence uses 'take' in the present tense to describe a travel habit. Past Tense: 'One of the best trips I took last year outside my town was to Fredericksburg.' This sentence uses 'took' in the past tense to describe a specific past trip.

Both 'take' and 'go on' are correct, but the use of 'on' in 'go on' can sometimes make the sentence sound more natural and idiomatic in American English.

How to Ensure Correct Usage

To ensure you use the correct verb, remember that 'go' is followed by 'on,' and 'take' is used in both grammatical structures. Here are some practice sentences:

One of the best trips I take outside my town is to Fredericksburg. One of the best trips I went on outside my town was to Fredericksburg. One of the best trips I go on outside my town is to Fredericksburg. One of the best trips I went on outside my town was to Fredericksburg.

By understanding these differences, you can effectively and accurately describe your travel experiences, making your writing more engaging and meaningful for your audience.

Why Grammar Matters

Using the correct verb in your trip descriptions is more than just correct grammar - it can affect the clarity of your writing and the overall impact of your message. Proper verb usage can enhance the reader's understanding of your experiences and make your content more engaging and relatable.

For more tips on using English effectively, please stay tuned for our next article on common writing mistakes and how to avoid them.