go on

Formsgoes on, going on, went on, gone on

1. 1
   happenphrasal verbintransitive

   To happen, or to be taking place.

   What's going on in the kitchen? It smells great!

   A lot goes on at school in the last week before summer.

   Similarhappen, occur, transpire

2. 2
   keep doingphrasal verbintransitive

   To keep doing something.

   The band went on playing while the rain came down.

   If you go on eating candy, you'll feel sick.

   Similarproceed, resume

   Oppositestop, quit

   Note
3. 3
   next stepphrasal verbintransitive

   To do something next, after something else.

   She went on to become a famous doctor.

   After the first song, the singer went on to tell a funny story.

   Similarcontinue, proceed

   Note
4. 4
   talk at lengthphrasal verbintransitive

   To talk about something a lot or for a long time.

   My brother keeps going on about his new phone.

   Once Grandpa starts talking about fishing, he goes on and on.

   Similarblather, prattle, rabbit

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

   basisphrasal verbtransitive

   To use facts or clues to understand something or to decide.

   The police had very little to go on.

   We only had his word to go on, so we believed him.

   Note
6. 6
   phrasal verbintransitive

   To start being on, like a light that turns on or a player who comes into a game.

   The kitchen lights go on by themselves when it gets dark.

   Who goes on after the magician?

7. 7
   tell me moreinterjection

   Said to tell someone to keep talking because you are listening.

   Go on, what happened next?

   Sorry, I cut you off. Go on.

8. 8
   lastphrasal verbintransitive

   To keep going for a long time or a long way.

   The movie went on for three hours.

   The fence goes on all the way to the river.

   Similarlast, persist, endure

   Oppositestop, end, cease

9. 9
   disbeliefinterjection

   Said when you are surprised or can't believe something.

   "I won first prize!" "Go on! Really?"

   "She's moving to Alaska." "Go on, you're joking!"

   Similarnonsense, rubbish

10. 10
    agreeinterjectionBritish

    Said to agree to something or to say yes.

    "Fancy another cup of tea?" "Go on, then."

    "Twenty quid for the lot?" "Go on, it's a deal."

    SimilarOK, fine

    Note
11. 11
    urginginterjectionAustraliaNew Zealand

    Said to cheer someone on and help them keep trying.

    Go on, mate, you're nearly at the top!

    Go on, have a try. You'll love it.

    Similarc'mon

    Note

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