Confusing Words #1: Come and Go
When should we use COME?
- it depends on the current position of the speaker and the listener
- if the direction is toward the listener or the speaker, then we use "come"
Ex: (movement toward the listener) I will come to your office this afternoon.
(movement toward the speaker) Can you come to my office this afternoon?
- it can also be used when we make plans to talk about the direction toward a future position
Ex: (inviting someone to a birthday party in the future)
(toward the future position of the speaker) Will you come to my party next weekend?
(toward the future position of the listener) Yes, I will come to your brother's birthday party next weekend.
When should we use GO?
- if we are talking about movement from where the speaker or listener is to another place, we use "go"
Ex:
Situation 1: We both live in the US and I want to ask you about visiting Europe.
When will you go to Europe?
Situation 2: You're at work but you want to leave work early, so you tell your boss:
I'm going home.
