Understanding "Go on with": Meaning and Usage in English
Welcome, English learners, to another exploration into the fascinating world of English phrasal verbs! These multi-word verbs can often seem daunting, but mastering them is a significant step towards achieving fluency and sounding more like a native speaker. Today, our focus is on the incredibly useful phrasal verb "Go on with". This common phrase is fundamental for expressing continuation, progression, and perseverance in everyday English conversations and writing. If you're looking to effectively learn English phrasal verbs, this guide is for you. By the end of this article, you'll have a clear understanding of what "Go on with" means, how to correctly structure sentences using it, discover valuable related phrases and synonyms, and even test your newfound knowledge with some practice questions. Let's go on with our learning adventure!
Table of Contents
- What Does Go on with Mean?
- Structure with Go on with
- Related Phrases and Synonyms
- Practice Time!
- Conclusion
What Does Go on with Mean?
The phrasal verb "Go on with" is a frequently used expression in English, primarily conveying the idea of continuing an action, task, or process. It suggests that something should not be stopped or interrupted, but rather carried forward. Think of it as a verbal nudge to keep moving, to persist despite potential distractions or pauses. For instance, if someone is interrupted while speaking, you might tell them, "Please, go on with your story." This indicates your desire for them to resume. Understanding the nuances of "Go on with" is crucial for effective communication, as it allows you to clearly signal the intention to continue or encourage others to do so. It's a cornerstone for anyone aiming to learn English phrasal verbs thoroughly.
More: Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Go on': Meaning & Usage
Structure with Go on with
To truly master "Go on with", it's essential to understand its grammatical structure and how it functions in sentences. While "go on" by itself can mean 'continue' (e.g., "The show must go on"), adding "with" specifies what is being continued. "Go on with" is generally used as an inseparable phrasal verb when followed by its object (the thing being continued). This means "go," "on," and "with" usually stay together, followed by a noun, a noun phrase, or a gerund (-ing form of a verb). Let's delve into its main meanings and illustrative structures to solidify your understanding of phrasal verbs.
Meaning 1: To Continue or Resume an Action, Activity, or Speech
This is the most direct and common meaning of "Go on with". It is used when you want to indicate that an action, a piece of work, or a speech should be continued, especially after it has been paused or if there's a possibility of stopping. It emphasizes persistence.
Structure: Subject + go on with + noun (activity/task/story/work)
- Example 1: "I know you're tired, but you need to go on with your homework if you want to finish it tonight."
- Example 2: After the phone rang, the teacher said, "Okay class, let's go on with the lesson."
Structure: Subject + go on with + gerund (-ing form of a verb)
- Example 1: She decided to go on with painting the fence despite the cloudy weather.
- Example 2: "Don't let me stop you; please go on with whatever you were doing," he politely offered.
Meaning 2: To Proceed with a Plan, Project, or Arrangement
This meaning is very similar to the first but often applies to more formal or organized endeavors, like plans, projects, or official arrangements. It signifies moving to the next stage or implementing what has been decided. "Go on with" here implies a conscious decision to advance.
- Structure: Subject + go on with + noun (plan/project/arrangements/procedure)
- Example 1: The company has decided to go on with the new marketing strategy, despite initial reservations.
- Example 2: "Are we all in agreement? Shall we go on with the proposal as written?" the chairperson asked.
This usage underscores the idea of not abandoning a previously established course of action. It's about seeing things through and a key aspect of using "Go on with" effectively.
Meaning 3: To Continue Behaving or Talking in a Particular (Often Undesirable or Excessive) Manner
While less common than the first two meanings, "Go on with" can sometimes be used to describe the continuation of a certain type of behavior or speech, particularly if it's perceived as excessive, annoying, or unnecessary. In this context, it often carries a slightly impatient or critical tone.
- Structure: Subject + go on with + noun phrase (describing the behavior or type of talk)
- Example 1: "I wish he wouldn't go on with his constant complaining about the weather," she sighed.
- Example 2: The child continued to go on with his tantrum even after his mother tried to soothe him.
It is important to note that for this meaning, the phrasal verb "go on about" (e.g., "He went on about his problems for hours") is often more idiomatic when referring to protracted speech on a particular topic. However, "go on with" can specifically refer to continuing a type of behavior or discourse pattern. For instance, "She tends to go on with a lot of dramatic sighs when she's unhappy."
More: Understanding the Versatile Phrasal Verb 'Go Off' in English
Related Phrases and Synonyms
Expanding your vocabulary around the concept of continuation is key to fluent English. While "Go on with" is a versatile phrasal verb, knowing its synonyms and related expressions will allow you to express yourself with greater precision and avoid repetition. These alternatives can fit different shades of meaning or levels of formality. Here's a table to help you learn English phrasal verbs and their counterparts more deeply.
| Synonym / Related Phrase | Meaning | Example Sentence | Nuance/Context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Continue (verb) | To keep doing something without stopping, or to start doing it again after an interruption. | "Despite the rain, they decided to continue the match." | General, neutral term for maintaining an action. |
| Proceed with (phrasal verb) | To start or continue an action or process, often after a decision or permission. | "After receiving approval, we can proceed with the development phase." | Often implies a more formal or planned continuation, moving to the next step. |
| Carry on with (phrasal verb) | To continue doing something, often in a determined way or despite difficulties. | "She told her team to carry on with their tasks while she attended the meeting." | Similar to "Go on with", often implies resilience or routine. |
| Persist in/with (verb + preposition) | To continue firmly or obstinately in an opinion or course of action in spite of difficulty, opposition, or failure. | "He persisted in his attempts to contact her, even after being ignored." | Emphasizes determination, sometimes to the point of being stubborn. Can be "persist in doing something" or "persist with something." |
| Keep on (+ gerund) (phrasal verb) | To continue doing something, often repeatedly or habitually. It can imply perseverance or sometimes annoyance if the action is negative. | "She kept on smiling, even though she was feeling sad." / "He kept on interrupting me." | Emphasizes the repetitive or uninterrupted nature of the action. |
| Resume (verb) | To begin to do something again after a pause or interruption. | "The meeting will resume after a short coffee break." | Specifically refers to starting again after a break. |
| Forge ahead with (phrasal verb) | To make strong and steady progress with something, often despite obstacles. | "Despite the funding cuts, the researchers decided to forge ahead with their project." | Suggests determined progress in the face of difficulties. |
By incorporating these synonyms into your active vocabulary, you can express the concept of continuation in more varied and nuanced ways, complementing your understanding of expressions like "Go on with". This variety is a hallmark of proficient English users.
More: Unlocking 'Go into': Understanding This Common Phrasal Verb
Practice Time!
Let's solidify your understanding of "Go on with" and its usage. These multiple-choice questions will help you practice applying what you've learned. Choose the most appropriate answer for each question.
Question 1: "The manager asked us to _________ the current project before starting a new one." a) go by with
b) go on with
c) go off with
d) go through with
Correct answer: b
Question 2: Which of the following sentences uses "Go on with" INCORRECTLY? a) "Please go on with your fascinating story about your travels."
b) "We need to go on with the plan we agreed upon last week."
c) "She decided to go on with to learn Spanish."
d) "Despite the interruptions, he tried to go on with his work."
Correct answer: c
Question 3: "I wish you wouldn't _________ that silly argument. It's resolved." This sentence implies the speaker wants the other person to stop a particular behavior. a) go on with
b) go over with
c) go along with
d) go down with
Correct answer: a
Question 4: A synonym for "to continue despite difficulties" that is similar in meaning to "Go on with" is: a) To cease
b) To falter
c) To carry on with
d) To abandon
Correct answer: c
Question 5: "After a brief pause for questions, the presenter will _______ the main part of her speech." a) go on with
b) go out for
c) go into
d) go back on
Correct answer: a
Reviewing your answers and the explanations will help reinforce your grasp of "Go on with". Remember, consistent practice is essential when you learn English phrasal verbs and build your understanding of phrasal verbs in general.
Conclusion
Understanding and using the phrasal verb "Go on with" correctly can significantly enhance your English communication skills. We've explored its primary meanings related to continuing or proceeding with an action, its common sentence structures, and useful synonyms. Remember, the key to mastering phrasal verbs like "Go on with" is consistent exposure and practice. So, go on with your learning journey, and don't be afraid to use new phrasal verbs like "Go on with" in your conversations and writing! Your effort will surely pay off.