In 15 Sekunden
- Use it to tell someone to keep speaking or acting.
- It is a friendlier, more common version of the word 'continue'.
- Works as a short response or inside a longer sentence.
Bedeutung
This phrase is used to tell someone to keep doing what they are doing or to continue speaking without stopping.
Wichtige Beispiele
3 von 6Listening to a story
That sounds amazing, please go on!
That sounds amazing, please continue!
In a business meeting
Let's go on to the next item on the agenda.
Let's move to the next item on the agenda.
Texting a friend
Go on... tell me what happened next!
Continue... tell me what happened next!
Kultureller Hintergrund
In the UK, 'Go on!' is a very common way to encourage someone to have a treat, like a biscuit or a drink, even if they said no at first. It's a friendly form of social 'pressure.' The phrase 'G'wan' (a contraction of Go on) is used as a powerful shout of encouragement at sports matches or to show excitement. In US meetings, 'Go on' is a neutral, professional way to yield the floor. It signals that the listener is following the logic and wants the speaker to reach their conclusion. On platforms like TikTok or X (Twitter), 'What is going on?' is often used as a caption for viral, confusing, or funny videos to invite comments.
The 'And On' Trick
If you want to emphasize that something lasted a very long time, say 'It went on and on and on.' This is very common in storytelling.
Watch your tone
Saying 'Go on' with a flat tone can sound like you are bored. Use a rising pitch to sound friendly.
In 15 Sekunden
- Use it to tell someone to keep speaking or acting.
- It is a friendlier, more common version of the word 'continue'.
- Works as a short response or inside a longer sentence.
What It Means
Go on is a friendly way to say 'don't stop.' It is like giving someone a green light. You use it when someone is talking and they pause. You also use it when an event is happening. It means 'continue' but feels much more natural. It is one of the most common phrasal verbs in English.
How To Use It
You can use it by itself as a command. If your friend stops telling a juicy story, just say, Go on! You can also use it with the word with. For example, Go on with your work. Another way is using it with an -ing verb. Try saying, He went on talking for hours. It is very flexible and fits almost anywhere.
When To Use It
Use it when you are listening to a story. It shows you are interested. Use it at work when a meeting needs to keep moving. It is great for cheering someone up too. If they are hesitant to finish a task, a soft go on helps. It works in texts, emails, and face-to-face chats.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use it if someone is doing something annoying. If your brother is humming loudly, saying go on will make him louder! Also, avoid it in extremely formal legal documents. In those cases, use the word proceed. Don't use it if you want someone to start something brand new. It is only for things that have already started.
Cultural Background
In British culture, Go on! is often used as a playful nudge. Think of a grandmother offering you a second piece of cake. She says, Go on, have another! It is a way of being persuasive but kind. In America, it is often a sign of active listening. It shows the speaker that you are still awake and paying attention.
Common Variations
You might hear Go on then in the UK. This means 'okay, I agree.' You might also hear What's going on? which means 'what is happening?' Be careful with Go on about. That means someone is talking too much about a boring topic. Stick to the simple go on for the most positive vibes.
Nutzungshinweise
The phrase is very safe to use in almost all social situations. Just remember that 'went on' is the past tense, and 'going on' usually refers to events currently happening.
The 'And On' Trick
If you want to emphasize that something lasted a very long time, say 'It went on and on and on.' This is very common in storytelling.
Watch your tone
Saying 'Go on' with a flat tone can sound like you are bored. Use a rising pitch to sound friendly.
The Irish 'G'wan'
If you're in Ireland, you'll hear 'G'wan!' everywhere. It's just a very fast 'Go on!'
Beispiele
6That sounds amazing, please go on!
That sounds amazing, please continue!
Shows the listener is engaged and wants to hear more.
Let's go on to the next item on the agenda.
Let's move to the next item on the agenda.
Used to transition to the next topic professionally.
Go on... tell me what happened next!
Continue... tell me what happened next!
The ellipsis (...) adds a sense of curiosity and excitement.
Go on, have the last slice of pizza!
Go ahead, have the last slice of pizza!
A common way to give permission or encourage a small treat.
Life must go on, even after a loss.
Life must continue, even after a loss.
A deep, philosophical use of the phrase regarding time.
What is going on in there?
What is happening in there?
Using the 'ing' form to ask about a current event.
Teste dich selbst
Fill in the blank with the correct form of 'go on'.
I'm sorry I interrupted you. Please ____.
'Go on' is the correct phrasal verb for 'continue speaking.'
Which sentence uses 'go on' to mean 'something is happening'?
Choose the correct sentence:
In this context, 'going on' means 'happening.'
Complete the dialogue.
A: 'I was thinking about moving to London...' B: 'Really? ____, tell me more!'
'Go on' is used to encourage someone to continue their story.
Match the sentence to the meaning of 'go on'.
Sentence: 'After the meeting, he went on to write the report.'
'Go on + to + infinitive' indicates moving to a new task.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Visuelle Lernhilfen
Aufgabensammlung
4 AufgabenI'm sorry I interrupted you. Please ____.
'Go on' is the correct phrasal verb for 'continue speaking.'
Choose the correct sentence:
In this context, 'going on' means 'happening.'
A: 'I was thinking about moving to London...' B: 'Really? ____, tell me more!'
'Go on' is used to encourage someone to continue their story.
Sentence: 'After the meeting, he went on to write the report.'
'Go on + to + infinitive' indicates moving to a new task.
🎉 Ergebnis: /4
Häufig gestellte Fragen
10 FragenYes, but 'go on' is more common in spoken English, while 'continue' is more common in writing.
No. You should say 'He went on singing' (he didn't stop) or 'He went on to sing' (he did something else, then sang).
It can mean 'What is happening?' or it can be a casual greeting like 'How are you?'.
It is neutral. You can use it with friends or with your boss.
The past tense is 'went on.' For example: 'The meeting went on for hours.'
'Keep going' often refers to physical movement or effort, while 'go on' is more common for speaking.
Only in very specific dialects (like British English) where 'Go on with you!' means 'Go away,' but it's rare and informal.
'Go on with' means continue a task. 'Go on about' means talk too much about a topic.
Yes, but that is the literal meaning (the light is turning on), not the phrasal verb meaning.
In this case, 'go on' is not a phrasal verb; 'on' is just a preposition. It means to start a trip.
Verwandte Redewendungen
carry on
synonymTo continue doing something, especially in the face of difficulty.
keep on
similarTo do something repeatedly.
go on about
specialized formTo talk about something for a long time.
go off
contrastTo explode or to stop liking something.
