go on

Meaning

This phrasal verb most commonly means to continue doing something, to happen or take place, or to proceed to a new activity. It is extremely common in spoken English and can sound encouraging, informative, or inquisitive depending on the context.

Examples

• Please go on with your story, I'm listening.

  Please go on with your story, I'm listening.

• What is going on outside? There is a lot of noise.

  What is going on outside? There is a lot of noise.

• The meeting went on for three hours, which was much too long.

  The meeting went on for three hours, which was much too long.

• After finishing university, she went on to become a successful doctor.

  After finishing university, she went on to become a successful doctor.

• I can't go on living in this tiny apartment anymore.

  I can't go on living in this tiny apartment anymore.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ She went on to talking about her trip.

  ✓ She went on to talk about her trip.

  To change the topic or move to a new action, use 'go on + to-infinitive'. Using 'go on + gerund' (talking) means to continue doing the exact same action.

• ✗ What is going here?

  ✓ What is going on here?

  When asking about events happening in the moment, you must include the particle 'on' to complete the phrasal verb.

Related Expressions

Practice

• Please ___ , I didn't mean to interrupt you.

  💡 continue speaking

  Show answer

  go on

• I wonder what is ___ in the office next door.

  💡 happening

  Show answer

  going on