Differences between go on and go out
Go out usually means to leave one's home or current location and spend time outside, often for social activities. On the other hand, go on generally means to continue or proceed with an action or event.
Meanings and Definitions: go on vs go out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Go on
- 1Continue.
He WENT ON and ON talking and I was so bored.
- 2Happen.
There are loads of people out in the street; what's GOING ON?
- 3Start doing or taking something.
She WENT ON the pill when she met him.
- 4Be guided.
The investigators have no clues to GO ON.
- 5Be nearly a certain period of time.
It's GOING ON ten years since we met.
- 6Progress.
They asked me how the project was GOING ON.
- 7Spend money.
Most of my salary GOES ON my mortgage repayments.
- 8Start working ( electric / electronic equipment ).
The alarm GOES ON when you close the front door.
Go out
- 1Stop burning, be extinguished.
The candle WENT OUT and left us in darkness.
- 2Leave a place.
He WENT OUT last night.
- 3Go on strike.
The workers WENT OUT for more money.
- 4Become infashionable.
That sort of the WENT OUT last year.
- 5Move backwards, of a tide.
The tide GOES OUT in the evening.
- 6Be eliminated in a competition.
England WENT OUT in the second round.
- 7Be transmitted.
The item WENT OUT on the news yesterday.
- 8Be sent.
The newsletter WENT OUT last night.
- 9Intend.
I didn't GO OUT to offend them.
Usage Examples: go on, go out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
go on
Example
Please go on with your story, I'm listening.
Example
She goes on about her problems all the time.
go out
Example
I usually go out with my friends on weekends.
Example
She goes out for a walk every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go on
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go out
head out
To leave one's current location and go somewhere else.
Example
Let's head out to the park and enjoy the sunny weather.
run errands
To go out and complete various tasks or errands.
Example
On Saturdays, I usually run errands such as grocery shopping and paying bills.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in go on vs go out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go on or go out?
In daily conversation, people use go out more often than go on. This is because go out is used for more daily tasks and routines such as going out with friends or running errands. Go on is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about continuing an action or event. So, while both phrases are used, go out is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go on and go out
Go out and go on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of go on and go out
The tone of go out and go on can differ based on context. Go out often carries a social or leisurely tone when related to spending time outside or with others, while go on typically has a neutral or matter-of-fact tone, especially when referring to continuing an action or event.
