Go ahead

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Go ahead" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to give permission or encouragement to someone to proceed with an action or statement. Example: "If you have any questions about the project, feel free to ask. Go ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

"Go ahead, go ahead.

The New Yorker

Go ahead, do this".

The New York Times

Go ahead, get in.

The New Yorker

"Go ahead, sue me.

The New York Times

"Go ahead," Altman said.

The New Yorker

"Go ahead," he says.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Yet they went ahead.

The New York Times

The event went ahead.

The New York Times

She went ahead anyway.

The New York Times

He went ahead anyway.

The Economist

I went ahead anyway.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal situations, consider using more formal alternatives, such as "Proceed" or "You may".

Common error

Avoid using "Go ahead" in highly formal or professional communication. Opt for alternatives like "Please proceed" to maintain a more appropriate tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Go ahead" functions primarily as an imperative, used to grant permission or offer encouragement. Ludwig examples show it used in various contexts, from casual conversation to more formal requests. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

19%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Social Media

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Go ahead" is a versatile imperative used to grant permission or offer encouragement, as supported by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and common in everyday conversation, it is less suitable for formal settings where alternatives like "Please proceed" might be more appropriate. Ludwig examples from news and media, as well as wikis, demonstrate its wide applicability in enabling conversation and action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Proceed

A more formal and direct way to indicate permission to continue.

Carry on

Suggests continuing with an action, often used in British English.

Continue

A general term for not stopping and keep doing something.

Be my guest

A polite way to grant permission, implying willingness.

Feel free

Indicates permission to do something without hesitation.

You may

A formal way of giving explicit permission.

Don't hesitate

Encourages someone to proceed without worrying.

After you

Indicates politeness by allowing someone else to go first.

Take the lead

Encourages someone to start or guide an action.

Start

A simple way to instruct the beginning of something.

FAQs

How can I use "Go ahead" in a sentence?

Use "Go ahead" to give permission or encouragement. For example, "If you have any questions, "go ahead" and ask."

What are some alternatives to "Go ahead"?

You can use alternatives like "proceed", "continue", or "feel free" depending on the situation.

Is "Go ahead" appropriate for formal communication?

While acceptable, "Go ahead" is generally more informal. In formal settings, consider using "please proceed" or "you may" to maintain a professional tone.

What's the difference between "Go ahead" and "Proceed"?

"Go ahead" is more casual and implies immediate permission or encouragement. "Proceed" is more formal and suggests a continuation of an action or discussion. You might say "Go ahead and start the presentation", but in a meeting, the chair might say "Please proceed with the agenda".