What Does "go on" Mean?
- The expression go on is primarily a phrasal verb meaning to continue an action, to happen, or to proceed to a next step. It can also function as an encouraging imperative.
- Its meaning is semi-idiomatic; while "go" suggests movement, the addition of "on" creates specific meanings like persistence or occurrence that aren't immediately obvious from the individual words.
- Register: Generally neutral, making it suitable for both casual conversation and formal writing, though certain imperative uses (e.g., "Go on!") are more informal.
How to Use It
- Grammatical pattern: It typically follows the pattern verb + particle. It can be followed by a gerund (go on doing), a prepositional phrase (go on with), or an infinitive (go on to do).
- Typical objects/complements: When used to mean "continue," it is often followed by the -ing form of a verb. To indicate a change in activity, it uses to + infinitive.
- Separability: Unlike some phrasal verbs, go on is inseparable. You cannot place an object between "go" and "on."
- What sounds unnatural: Using "go at" or "go to" when meaning to continue a task sounds incorrect. Additionally, using the infinitive when you mean to describe a continuous, unchanging action is a frequent stylistic error.
Real-World Examples
These examples are sourced from go on on Ludwig.guru.
"Go on, go on." — independent.co.uk
"We go on, circle back, go on." — nytimes.com
"Go on do it!" — wikihow.com
"That could go on." — economist.com
"I could go on." — nytimes.com
Similar Phrases and Alternatives
| Phrase |
Context |
| continue |
A more formal and direct alternative suitable for academic or professional reports. |
| proceed |
Highly formal; often used when moving to the next stage of a legal or technical process. |
| keep on |
More informal and emphasizes the persistence or repetition of an action. |
| carry on |
Common in British English; synonymous with continuing despite difficulties. |
| last |
Used specifically when referring to the duration or endurance of an event or state. |
Common Mistakes
- Wrong Particle: Using "go in" or "go over" when the intended meaning is to continue an activity.
- Separability Error: Attempting to put an object in the middle, such as "go the work on," which is ungrammatical.
- Gerund vs. Infinitive: Learners often forget to use the gerund (-ing) form for the following verb, incorrectly using the infinitive instead (e.g., saying 'go on to talk' when they mean 'keep talking'). "Go on talking" means to continue the same speech, while "go on to talk" means to start talking about a new topic.
Quick-Reference Summary
| Expression |
Meaning |
Grammatical Pattern |
Register |
| go on |
To continue, happen, or proceed |
Verb + Particle (Inseparable) |
Neutral |
FAQs
Can the components of go on be separated by an object?
No, the phrasal verb go on is inseparable, meaning the particle must stay immediately after the verb. You should never place a noun or pronoun between the two words.
What is the difference between go on and continue?
While both share the same core meaning, continue is a single-word Latinate verb that is more formal. Go on is more common in spoken English and can also function as an imperative to encourage someone to speak.
Should I use a gerund or an infinitive after the expression?
It depends on the intent; use the gerund (-ing) to mean "keep doing the same thing." Using the infinitive is a common mistake if you mean to describe continuity, as the infinitive actually signifies moving to a different, subsequent task.