Meaning
- To keep happening or to keep doing something.
- To take place or for something to be happening.
- For something like a machine, event, or performance to keep running or existing.
Today's Sentences
01
Go on, give it a try!
Situation
I don’t think I can sing in front of everyone.
Of course you can.
Go on and give it a try!
But what if I mess up?
Then laugh it off and keep singing anyway.
02
How much longer can it go on?
Situation
This meeting is taking forever.
I know.
It feels like three hours already.
How much longer can it go on?
I have no idea but I definitely need a break.
Writer's Note
"Go on" is an intransitive and inseparable phrasal verb. Let’s go over the breakdown and look closely at the various structures of the inseparable type.
- Intransitive - A phrasal verb that needs an object to complete its meaning.
Structure: "Subject + go on (+ -ing verb / phrase)"
Example 1: He went on working despite being tired.
Example 2: If you go on studying, you’ll eventually pass the exam.
Example 3: He went on cleaning the restaurant after everyone had left.
Note: "Go on" doesn’t take a direct object, but it can be followed by an -ing verb or a phrase showing the action being continued. - Inseparable - When an object cannot be placed between the particle and verb.
Structure: "Subject + go on (+ -ing verb)"
Example 1: She just goes on talking, even when no one is listening.
Note: This structure means to continue an action or behavior.
Structure: "Subject + go on"
Example 2: What’s going on here?
Note: This structure means to take place; to happen.
Structure: "Subject + go on (+ for + time expression)"
Example 3: Her speech went on much longer than expected.
Note: Finally, this structure means to last or continue for a period of time.
Related words: To last or continue for a period of time.
