Phrasal verb
go on
Meanings
to continue doing something; not stop
to continue to happen
used to tell someone to continue speaking or to show disbelief (informal)
Definition
To go on means to continue or keep happening.
When you go on, you continue doing something instead of stopping. It can also mean that something continues to happen over time. In conversation, it can be used to encourage someone to continue speaking.
Examples
- I was tired, but I decided to go on for another mile.
- The noise seemed to go on all night.
- She paused, and he said, "Go on," so she finished her story.
- They told us the meeting would go on until everyone had spoken.
Common mistake
Learners often forget that "go on" needs an object or a time phrase in some contexts and incorrectly say "The meeting went on" when they mean "The meeting went on for two hours."
More phrasal verbs
- 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.
- come back To come back means to return to a place or to return again after leaving.