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go on

A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To keep doing something, to happen somewhere, or to tell someone to continue.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To continue doing something or to proceed.

"Go on — I'm listening. What happened next?"

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 idiomatic neutral

To happen or take place, especially over a period of time.

"What's going on? Why is everyone shouting?"

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal

To talk at length, often too much.

"He went on about the same topic for nearly an hour."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B1 idiomatic informal

Used to encourage someone to do something, or to express mild disbelief (British English exclamation).

"'Go on, have another piece of cake — you deserve it.'"

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

One of the most frequent phrasal verbs in English. Key senses: (1) to continue; (2) to happen; (3) to speak further; (4) an exclamation urging someone to proceed or expressing disbelief. British English uses 'go on!' as a light-hearted expression of disbelief or encouragement. Extremely important for ESL learners to master.

Commonly used with

for hours to say what's going on forever like this

Forms

Base
go on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes on
he/she/it
Past simple
went on
yesterday
Past participle
gone on
have + pp
-ing form
going on
continuous

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Synonyms

continue carry on proceed happen occur persist

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