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to go on
01
to continue without stopping
Intransitive: to go on | to go on with an activity
Grammatical Information
Composition
phrasal
Action verb
Regular
Inseparable
Particle
on
Base verb
go
Present tense
go on
3rd person singular
goes on
Present participle
going on
Past simple
went on
Past participle
gone on
Examples
The marathon runners were determined to go on despite the rain.
1.1
to continue with what one was saying
Intransitive: to go on | to go on with sth
Examples
He paused for a moment to catch his breath and then went on with his story.
1.2
to base an opinion or a judgment on something
Transitive: to go on a basis
Examples
Detectives are struggling with this case because there's not much to go on in terms of evidence or witnesses.
02
to come to be or to happen
Intransitive
Examples
I'm not sure what's going on with all the commotion outside.
03
to start operating or functioning
Intransitive
Examples
The lights went out during the storm, but the backup generator went on immediately.
04
(of a performer) to begin their performance
Intransitive: to go on point in time
Examples
The lead actor's character doesn't go on until the second act of the play.
05
(in sports) to enter a game as a substitute during a match
Intransitive: to go on | to go on for a player
Examples
The star striker went on for the injured player to help the team maintain their lead.
06
(of time) to move forward or pass without stopping
Intransitive
Examples
As the years went on, he gained more experience and wisdom.
07
to talk about a person or subject at length, often in a tedious or complaining manner
Intransitive: to go on | to go on about sth
Examples
She tends to go on about her health issues, and it can be quite tiresome to listen to.
08
to pass to doing something, particularly once one has finished doing something else
Transitive: to go on to do sth
Examples
After the meeting, she will go on to prepare a report.
go on
01
used to urge someone to speak or continue talking
02
used to express disbelief or surprise
03
used to urge someone to continue or engage in a specific action or activity
Examples
Go on—take the leap and start your own business.
