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go on
/ɡoʊ ɒn/◆phrasal verb
continue
Please go on with your presentation.
The speaker is asking the listener to continue speaking or presenting.
neutral
To continue doing something or speaking.
She went on talking about her trip for hours.
She continued speaking about her trip without stopping.
Go on, tell me what happened next!
The speaker is encouraging the listener to continue their story.
Often used to encourage someone to continue speaking or to resume an activity.
neutral
To happen or take place.
What's going on here?
What is happening in this situation?
Commonly used in questions to inquire about events or situations.
Law
formal
To base an argument or decision on something.
The ruling goes on the evidence presented in court.
The judge's decision is based on the evidence shown during the trial.
Used in legal or formal contexts to indicate the foundation of a decision.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Context matters
The meaning of 'go on' changes based on context. Pay attention to whether it's used to encourage continuation, inquire about events, or base a decision on something.
Gold Rule
Encouraging continuation
Use 'go on' to politely encourage someone to continue speaking or doing something, e.g., 'Go on, I'm listening.'
Inquiring about events
Use 'What's going on?' to ask about a situation or event, e.g., 'What's going on in the meeting?'
Formal contexts
In formal settings like law, 'go on' can mean 'to base a decision on,' e.g., 'The verdict goes on the evidence.'
Word Origin
The phrase 'go on' originates from Old English 'gān' (to go) and 'on' (a preposition indicating continuation). The phrasal verb structure emerged in Middle English, combining the verb with a preposition to indicate ongoing action.
Usage Notes
The phrase 'go on' is versatile and can be used in various contexts, from casual conversation to formal settings. It often implies a continuation of an action or event, but the exact meaning depends on the context. In questions like 'What's going on?', it inquires about events or situations.
Word Breakdown
go
to move or proceed
verbon
continuing or in progress
prepositionEnglish Dictionary