What are the definitions of “go ahead”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Proceed.
The construction of the bypass WENT environmentalists.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go ahead”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go ahead is to proceed or continue with something. It is often used to give someone permission to start a task or activity.
What are the different verb forms of “go ahead”?
| Root Verb | go ahead |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes ahead |
| Present Participle | going ahead |
| Simple Past | went ahead |
| Past Participle | gone ahead |
Example
You can go ahead and start the presentation.
Example
She goes ahead and orders food for everyone.
Example
He is going ahead with his plans to travel.
Example
They went ahead and started the meeting without us.
Example
The project has gone ahead despite the challenges.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go ahead”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“go ahead” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
You can go ahead with your presentation now.
Example
They went ahead with the plan despite the risks.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“go ahead” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
You can go ahead with your presentation now.
Example
They went ahead with the plan despite the risks.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go ahead”?
Go ahead and
Used to give someone permission to do something.
Example
You can go ahead and start the meeting.
Good things to know
Does “go ahead” have an informal or formal tone?
Go ahead is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In a formal setting, it might be used to give someone permission to start a presentation or meeting. In an informal context, it could be used to tell a friend to start eating before everyone else is ready.
