To keep doing something or to keep happening without stopping.
She went on talking even though everyone was tired.
A: Are you going to stop working now? B: No, I'll go on for another hour.
If I get stuck on a difficult question, I usually go on and try to answer the rest first.
Common mistake
✗He went on to talking for an hour.
✓He went on talking for an hour.
'Go on + -ing' = keep doing. 'Go on TO + verb' = do next (different meaning). Don't mix them.
Tell it apart
She went on talking.
kept talking
She went on to become a doctor.
did next
Use 'go on' in spoken or informal English to talk about something that keeps happening or someone who keeps doing something.Do not confuse with 'go on to do', which means to do something next, not to continue the same thing.
To take place or occur, especially when something is surprising or unknown.
There was a lot of noise outside, and I wondered what was going on.
A: Why are people shouting in the hallway? B: I have no idea what's going on.
When I arrived at the meeting, I didn't understand what was going on at first because everyone was talking at once.
Common mistake
✗What's going here?
✓What's going on here?
In this sense the particle 'on' is required — 'go on' means happen; 'go' alone doesn't.
Tell it apart
What's going on out there?
happening
Go on, finish your story.
continue
Use 'go on' to ask or talk about what is happening, especially if you are confused or curious.This sense is about events happening, not about continuing an action.
To talk for a long time, especially in a way that is repetitive, boring, or annoying to others.
He tends to go on about his achievements, which can be exhausting to listen to.
A: Did you enjoy the meeting? B: Not really. Sarah just went on about her holiday for half an hour.
Some people tend to go on about their personal experiences in group discussions, which can make it difficult for others to contribute.
Common mistake
✗Stop going on for it.
✓Stop going on about it.
'Go on ABOUT something' = talk too much about it, often with 'and on' for emphasis.
Tell it apart
Don't go on about it.
keep harping on — annoying
Go on, tell me.
continue / encouragement
'Go on (about something)' is informal and often used when someone is complaining or repeating themselves. It can sound critical or impatient, so avoid it in formal writing or when you want to be polite.Unlike the B1 senses ('continue' or 'happen'), this sense is figurative and refers specifically to talking for too long, often in a way that annoys listeners.