GO ON

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb "go on" means to continue or proceed with an activity, event, or process. It can also imply someone talking at length.

Examples in context

📖 Definition

The phrasal verb "go on" means to continue or proceed with an activity, event, or process. It can also imply someone talking at length.

📝 Grammar Info

Separable
No
"Go on" cannot be split with an object.
Register
Neutral
Used in both formal and informal contexts.
Transitive
No
"Go on" does not take a direct object.

📊 Conjugation Table

Tense Form Example
Present Simple go on Please go on with your story.
Past Simple went on The lecture went on for hours.
Present Continuous going on He kept going on about his achievements.
Present Perfect have gone on They have gone on to win the championship.

💡 When to Use

Encouragement
Used to encourage someone to continue their effort or activity, or to keep talking.
Example: "Don't stop now, go on with your presentation."
Describing continuation
Used to describe something that is continuing or persisting over time.
Example: "The meeting just went on and on without a break."
Narrative progression
Used to indicate the progression or development of events in a story.
Example: "The story goes on to reveal the hero's true identity."

⚠️ Common Mistakes

Confusing separability
❌ Wrong: He go on tells the story.
✅ Correct: He goes on to tell the story.
💡 Tip: Remember, 'go on' is inseparable.
Incorrect tense usage
❌ Wrong: The event is went on.
✅ Correct: The event went on.
💡 Tip: Use the correct past form 'went on'.
Wrong register usage
❌ Wrong: We go on informally.
✅ Correct: We go on to discuss formally.
💡 Tip: Use 'go on' in the right context.
Practice

GO ON - IN PRACTICE

Study Method Proposal

  1. Listen and repeat the audio as many times as needed to improve your pronunciation
  2. Use the audio as a dictation exercise, trying to write what you hear and understand
  3. Create a new sentence following the structure of the example sentences

Examples in Context

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

continue proceed

Antonyms

stop

Quick Check

Complete the sentence with the correct phrasal verb:

"After the break, the conference will ___ on as scheduled."

goes
go on
went
gone

"Life continually goes on, teaching us to embrace change and find meaning in every new beginning and every silent ending."

In Context

In 1969, Neil Armstrong played a pivotal role in history, as he went on to become the first human to walk on the moon. Before this iconic moment, he was a talented aviator who started his career as a Navy pilot. After a rigorous selection process, Armstrong joined NASA, where he and his team tirelessly worked to overcome countless hurdles. The Apollo 11 mission, scheduled to be a landmark event in space exploration, was designed to push the boundaries of human achievement. As preparations went on, the world watched, waiting anxiously for updates. The journey was fraught with technical challenges, yet the mission forged ahead, a testament to human perseverance and ingenuity. On July 20, 1969, Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin made history with their moon landing, marking a monumental achievement. His words, "That's one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind," went on to be etched into our collective memory. The mission's success not only symbolized a moment of triumph during the tense Cold War era but also inspired generations to dream beyond the stars. Armstrong's legacy endures, as the exploration of space continues to go on, fueled by his pioneering spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions about Go On

What is the origin of go on?

+
The phrasal verb "go on" originated in the English language with roots in Old English 'gan' and 'an'. Over centuries, it evolved to capture the notion of continuation or proceeding, commonly used in storytelling and encouragement contexts today.

Can go on be used in formal and informal contexts?

+
Yes, "go on" is suitable for both formal and informal settings. Its neutral tone allows it to be versatile, whether in business meetings, casual conversations, or storytelling, without conveying excessive informality or rigidity.

What is the difference between go on and continue?

+
While both "go on" and "continue" imply continuation, "go on" often adds an informal touch or is used in narrative progression. "Continue" is more formal and specific, suitable for documented processes or technical descriptions.
Browse All Tiny House Phrasal Verbs
Tiny House Phrasal Verbs - WeeklyCross
Alessandra Nóbrega
About the Author

Alessandra Nóbrega

History teacher who fell in love with English! This passion led me to specialize in languages and work on bilingual education projects. With 37 years in education, I believe learning should be meaningful – not just memorization.

Learn more about my journey



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