go on

Formsgoes on, going on, went on, gone on

1. 1
   happenphrasal verbintransitive

   To take place or happen.

   Nobody outside the company knew what was going on behind the scenes.

   Strange things go on in that house after dark, or so the neighbors say.

   Similarhappen, occur, transpire

2. 2
   keep doingphrasal verbintransitive

   To continue with an action or activity.

   Despite the boos, the speaker went on reading from her notes.

   I'm too tired to go on; let's stop here for the night.

   Similarproceed, resume

   Oppositestop, quit

   Note

   Storytelling likes to put the particle first: on she went, across the landing and up the next flight, a turn that sounds brisk and determined. The verb also anchors a set phrase about beginnings, start as you mean to go on, which means setting on the first day the pattern you intend to keep.

3. 3
   next stepphrasal verbintransitive

   To proceed to do something next.

   The small startup went on to become one of the largest firms in the country.

   Once the guests are seated, the host will go on to explain the rules of the game.

   Similarcontinue, proceed

   Note

   The pattern after it decides the meaning. Followed by to and a verb, go on moves to a new step, often a later achievement: she started badly but went on to win the gold. Followed by an -ing form, the same action simply carries on, which is keeping going: she went on running.

4. 4
   talk at lengthphrasal verbintransitive

   To talk about a subject often or at great length.

   She went on about the wedding plans for the entire flight.

   He does go on, doesn't he? I only asked how his weekend was.

   Similarblather, prattle, rabbit

   Note

   Said of someone else, it is nearly always a complaint: will you stop going on about your holiday? The topic follows about, and doubling the particle, go on and on, stretches the complaint further. Its near neighbors blather, prattle and rabbit share the same weary tone.

5. 5
   USGOH-ahn/ˈɡoʊ ˌɑn/UKUKGOH-on/ˈɡəʊ ˌɒn/US

   basisphrasal verbtransitive

   To use information as the basis for understanding something or making a decision.

   With no witnesses, investigators had only a muddy footprint to go on.

   Don't go on rumors; check the official numbers first.

   Note

   This go on is built differently: on means upon, as in go upon, not onward as in carrying on. Information is the ground a judgment stands on, so the phrase often turns up as something, or nothing, to go on, and it works much like go by.

6. 6
   phrasal verbintransitive

   To move or change so as to be on, in any of various senses, such as taking the stage, entering a game, or switching on.

   The understudy went on in the lead role after the star lost her voice.

   Two minutes into the second half, Ramirez went on for the injured captain.

7. 7
   tell me moreinterjection

   Used to invite someone to keep talking, showing that the listener will not interrupt.

   "Go on," she said, leaning forward. "Then what did he say?"

   I'm listening, so go on, finish the story.

8. 8
   lastphrasal verbintransitive

   To continue or extend, in time or in space.

   The negotiations went on well past midnight.

   Beyond the last town, the desert seems to go on without end.

   Similarlast, persist, endure

   Oppositestop, end, cease

9. 9
   disbeliefinterjection

   Used to express surprise or disbelief.

   "The boss is retiring next month." "Go on! He swore he'd never leave."

   "They've already sold the house." "Go on! They only listed it on Monday!"

   Similarnonsense, rubbish

10. 10
    agreeinterjectionBritish

    Used to say yes, to agree, or to accept a deal.

    "I'll knock a fiver off if you take both." "Go on, then."

    "Shall we get chips on the way home?" "Oh, go on."

    SimilarOK, fine

    Note

    British speakers especially use it as a yes with a shrug in it, usually as go on, then. It sounds like giving way, which suits accepting a seller's last offer after some haggling, or a second slice of cake you had meant to refuse.

11. 11
    urginginterjectionAustraliaNew Zealand

    Used to encourage or urge someone on.

    Go on, Jack, one more lap and you've got it!

    "I'm scared of the big slide." "Go on, I'll be right at the bottom."

    Similarc'mon

    Note

    Australians and New Zealanders especially use it as a cheer, much as others say come on: go on, you can do it! The same two words can also invite someone to keep talking or greet news with disbelief, and only the tone and the moment tell the listener which is meant.

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