What are the definitions of “go on at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Pester, try to make someone do something by repeatedly asking or suggesting.
He WENT ON AT his parents until they bought him the game.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “go on at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb go on at is to keep asking or suggesting something to someone, often in a way that is annoying. It means to pester or nag someone to do something.
What are the different verb forms of “go on at”?
| Root Verb | go on at |
| Third Person Singular Present | goes on at |
| Present Participle | going on at |
| Simple Past | went on at |
| Past Participle | gone on at |
Example
My sister always goes on at me to clean my room.
Example
He goes on at his parents to buy him a new bike.
Example
She is going on at her friend to join the club.
Example
Yesterday, they went on at their teacher to postpone the test.
Example
I have gone on at him about his bad habits for years.
What kind of phrasal verb is “go on at”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“go on at” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She went on at her brother to do his homework.
Example
He goes on at his friends to play football with him.
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 at” 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
She went on at her brother to do his homework.
Example
He goes on at his friends to play football with him.
Good things to know
Does “go on at” have an informal or formal tone?
Go on at is a phrasal verb that is more commonly used in informal contexts. It is often used in everyday conversations, particularly in British English. It may not be suitable for formal or academic writing, where more direct verbs such as 'urge', 'encourage', or 'persuade' might be preferred.
