What are the definitions of “go on about”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Talk too much.
He's always GOING ON ABOUT his kids.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go on about”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go on about is to talk too much or for a long time about something. It is often used when someone is talking excessively about a topic, to the point where it may be annoying or boring for others.
What are the different verb forms of “go on about”?
| Root Verb | go on about |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes on about |
| Present Participle | going on about |
| Simple Past | went on about |
| Past Participle | gone on about |
Example
She always goes on about her vacation in Italy.
Example
He goes on about his new car every time we meet.
Example
She is going on about her latest shopping spree.
Example
Yesterday, he went on about his achievements for hours.
Example
She has gone on about her new job since she got it.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go on about”?
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 about” 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
He went on about his new job.
Example
She goes on about her favorite TV show.
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 about” 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
He went on about his new job.
Example
She goes on about her favorite TV show.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “go on about”?
Good things to know
Does “go on about” have an informal or formal tone?
Go on about is a neutral to informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and is suitable for both casual and semi-formal contexts. However, it may not be appropriate for very formal or academic writing, where more precise language might be preferred.
