Meaning trap
go on
continue
To keep doing something or to keep happening without stopping.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To keep doing something or to keep happening without stopping.
Another meaning of 'go on' is 'happen'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- She went on talking even though everyone was tired.daily life
- If I get stuck on a difficult question, I usually go on and try to answer the rest first.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: go on + -ing / go on with + noun
WrongHe went on to talking for an hour.
RightHe went on talking for an hour.
'Go on + -ing' = keep doing. 'Go on TO + verb' = do next (different meaning). Don't mix them.
Patterngo on + -ing / go on with + noun
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
To tell someone to keep talking, natives just say 'go on'. The formal version is unnecessary.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
go on + -ingtalkingworkingforeveras before
Don't confuse it
Do not confuse with 'go on to do', which means to do something next, not to continue the same thing.
Related
- go on (happen) — Another meaning of 'go on' is 'happen'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.