What are the definitions of “go forward”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Move clocks ahead.
The clocks MOVE FORWARD an hour on Sunday.
- 2Progress.
The top three teams GO FORWARD to the next round.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go forward”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go forward is to progress or move ahead. It can be used to talk about moving to the next stage in a process, or making progress in a particular situation.
What are the different verb forms of “go forward”?
| Root Verb | go forward |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes forward |
| Present Participle | going forward |
| Simple Past | went forward |
| Past Participle | gone forward |
Example
The project will go forward as planned.
Example
The team goes forward to the next round.
Example
We are going forward with the new design.
Example
She went forward with her idea despite the criticism.
Example
The proposal has gone forward to the board for approval.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go forward”?
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 forward” 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
The clocks go forward an hour on Sunday.
Example
The top three teams go forward to the next round.
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 forward” 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
The clocks go forward an hour on Sunday.
Example
The top three teams go forward to the next round.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go forward”?
Good things to know
Does “go forward” have an informal or formal tone?
Go forward is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In a business meeting, you might hear someone say, 'We will go forward with the new marketing plan.' In a casual conversation, someone might say, 'Let's go forward with the party plans.'