Phrasal verb
go ahead
To go ahead means to start or proceed, often after getting permission or confirmation.
Meanings
to start doing something; to proceed
to give permission for someone to do something
to happen or be done as planned
Definition
If you go ahead, you begin doing something or continue with a plan. People often say it to give permission, like telling someone they may start. It can also mean something happens or is carried out as planned, even after a delay or discussion.
Examples
- If you’re ready, go ahead and start without me.
- I asked the manager, and she said we could go ahead with the plan.
- After the delay, they decided to go ahead anyway.
- He checked the schedule, then told us to go ahead.
- We’ll go ahead and book the room once everyone agrees.
Common mistake
Learners often forget the preposition in phrases like "go ahead with the plan" and say "go ahead the plan" instead.
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.