What are the definitions of “go on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go on is to continue doing something. It can be used when someone continues to talk, work, or do any activity without stopping.
What are the different verb forms of “go on”?
| Root Verb | go on |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes on |
| Present Participle | going on |
| Simple Past | went on |
| Past Participle | gone on |
Example
Please go on with your story, I'm listening.
Example
She goes on about her problems all the time.
Example
He is going on with his work despite the noise.
Example
They went on with the party even after the music stopped.
Example
The meeting has gone on longer than expected.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go on”?
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 on” 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 show must go on.
Example
Life goes on after a setback.
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 on” 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 show must go on.
Example
Life goes on after a setback.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go on”?
Good things to know
Does “go on” have an informal or formal tone?
Go on is a neutral phrasal verb. It can be used in both formal and informal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in formal writing or speeches. For example, in a business meeting, one might say, 'Please go on with your presentation.'
