[Grammar] I think you should go see a doctor

[Ferdie11]

Hello,


Could you please tell me why the sentence below is correct with the two verbs "go" and "see" next to each other.


I think you should go see a doctor.


Thanks for your help.

 

[Koronas]

It is colloquial usage. Incorrect but commonly used because the meaning is clear.

Obviously it should be: "You should go to see a doctor", although you'll frequently hear: "You should go and see a doctor". In colloquial English, the conjunction "and" often replaces the "to" with an infinitive verb.

Indeed, "and" is so commonly used in such a context that it has become accepted in books and newspapers.

 

[emsr2d2]

Hello,


Could you please tell me why the sentence below is correct with the two verbs "go" and "see" next to each other.


I think you should go see a doctor.


Thanks for your help.

This construction is particularly used in American English. In the UK, you would only hear "I think you should go and see a doctor" or "I think you should go to see a doctor" (although more likely would simply be "I think you should go to the doctor").

In AmE, "go" followed directly by another verb seems to be very common.

Go figure!
Please go tell the teacher you're sorry.
Go find the dog.
Go put on your shoes and meet me in the yard.

 

[Koronas]

American TV has influenced British English a lot, so that the "go see" construction is now very common in the UK.