# go on

Pronunciation: US say "goh-AHN" /ˌɡoʊ ˈɑn/; UK say "goh-ON" /ˌɡəʊ ˈɒn/

## Phrasal verb

1. To take place or happen.
   - Simple: To happen, or to be taking place.
   - _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._
2. To continue with an action or activity.
   - Simple: To keep doing something.
   - _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._
3. To proceed to do something next.
   - Simple: To do something next, after something else.
   - _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._
4. To talk about a subject often or at great length.
   - Simple: To talk about something a lot or for a long time.
   - _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._
5. To use information as the basis for understanding something or making a decision. (pronounced: US say "GOH-ahn" /ˈɡoʊ ˌɑn/; UK say "GOH-on" /ˈɡəʊ ˌɒn/)
   - Simple: To use facts or clues to understand something or to decide.
   - _With no witnesses, investigators had only a muddy footprint to go on._
   - _Don't go on rumors; check the official numbers first._
6. 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.
   - Simple: To start being on, like a light that turns on or a player who comes into a game.
   - _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._
8. To continue or extend, in time or in space.
   - Simple: To keep going for a long time or a long way.
   - _The negotiations went on well past midnight._
   - _Beyond the last town, the desert seems to go on without end._

## Interjection

7. Used to invite someone to keep talking, showing that the listener will not interrupt.
   - Simple: Said to tell someone to keep talking because you are listening.
   - _"Go on," she said, leaning forward. "Then what did he say?"_
   - _I'm listening, so go on, finish the story._
9. Used to express surprise or disbelief.
   - Simple: Said when you are surprised or can't believe something.
   - _"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!"_
10. Used to say yes, to agree, or to accept a deal. *(British)*
   - Simple: Said to agree to something or to say yes.
   - _"I'll knock a fiver off if you take both." "Go on, then."_
   - _"Shall we get chips on the way home?" "Oh, go on."_
11. Used to encourage or urge someone on. *(Australia, New Zealand)*
   - Simple: Said to cheer someone on and help them keep trying.
   - _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."_

## Origin

**Meanings 1–4, 6–11** — Built in the same way as go onward.
**Meaning 5** — Built in the same way as go upon.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/go-on (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).