Differences between go on and go through
Go on usually means to continue doing something or to happen next, whereas go through generally means to examine or search something thoroughly.
Meanings and Definitions: go on vs go through
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 through
- 1Experience.
You wouldn't believe what I WENT THROUGH when I was ill!
- 2Read again.
I WENT THROUGH my notes before the exam.
- 3Examine, search.
I WENT THROUGH my desk looking for the letter.
- 4Do something in a certain way or following certain procedures.
You must GO THROUGH the proper channels to get the approval.
- 5Explain.
He WENT THROUGH his ideas twice but I couldn't really understand them.
- 6Be approved formally or sanctioned.
My divorce WENT THROUGH last week.
- 7Enter.
They said I could GO THROUGH the exam room.
- 8Consume or spend.
We WENT THROUGH a fortune on our holiday.
- 9Perform or carry something out.
I WENT THROUGH my work in a daze after I heard the news.
Usage Examples: go on, go through 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 through
Example
I had to go through a lot of trouble to get this job.
Example
She goes through her emails every morning.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go on
To move forward or continue with a plan or action.
Example
The company decided to proceed with the merger despite some concerns from shareholders.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go through
To look for something in a very detailed and careful way.
Example
The police officers decided to search thoroughly the suspect's apartment for any evidence.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Phrasal Verbs with “through”
Differences in go on vs go through: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: go on or go through?
In daily conversation, people use go on more often than go through. This is because go on is used for more common situations such as continuing a conversation or an activity. Go through is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about examining or searching something. So, while both phrases are used, go on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of go on and go through
Go on and go through 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 through
The tone of go on and go through can differ based on context. Go on often carries a conversational or excited tone when related to continuing a conversation or activity, while go through typically has a serious and focused tone, especially when referring to examining or searching something.
