Meaning trap
go on
happen
To take place or occur, especially when something is surprising or unknown.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To take place or occur, especially when something is surprising or unknown.
Another meaning of 'go on' is 'continue'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- There was a lot of noise outside, and I wondered what was going on.daily life
- When I arrived at the meeting, I didn't understand what was going on at first because everyone was talking at once.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: go on
WrongWhat's going here?
RightWhat's going on here?
In this sense the particle 'on' is required — 'go on' means happen; 'go' alone doesn't.
Patterngo on
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
'What's going on?' is the natural way to ask what's happening. 'What is occurring' sounds like a police report.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
go onwhat'ssomethinga lotwhat on earth
Don't confuse it
This sense is about events happening, not about continuing an action.
Related
- go on (continue) — Another meaning of 'go on' is 'continue'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.