1 A2 neutral
Used to tell someone they have permission to do something.
""Can I open the window?" "Go ahead, please do.""
“
Go ahead, make my day.
— Clint Eastwood, Sudden Impact (1983 film)
go ahead
A2 neutral intransitive
To proceed with an action; or used to give someone permission to do something.
In plain English
To start doing something or to tell someone they can do something.
What does "go ahead" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To proceed with a plan or action, especially after a delay or decision.
"Despite the bad weather forecast, they decided to go ahead with the outdoor festival."
3 A2 neutral
To move or travel in front of others.
"You go ahead and get a table; we'll follow in a few minutes."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go in the forward/ahead direction — largely transparent.
Actually means
To start doing something or to tell someone they can do something.
Usage tip
Extremely common in everyday speech. As a standalone response ('Go ahead!'), it gives permission. In narrative it means to proceed with a plan. Often used as a polite or encouraging response. 'Go-ahead' (noun/adjective) means permission or a signal to proceed.
Words that pair with "go ahead"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
plan project meeting surgery wedding work
How to conjugate "go ahead"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
go ahead
I/you/we/they
3rd person
goes ahead
he/she/it
Past simple
went ahead
yesterday
Past participle
gone ahead
have + pp
-ing form
going ahead
continuous
Hear "go ahead" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "go ahead" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.