go on operating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go on operating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something continues to function or perform its intended purpose. Example: "Despite the challenges, the machinery will go on operating until the end of the shift."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But the Communications Ministry, which oversees the app operators, has said the firms can go on operating.

The Guardian

They go on operating them, but at a loss", according to Colson.

The Guardian

Much like other banned groups, Sipah-e-Sahaba merely had to change its name to go on operating.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Council-care budgets are being decimated and we cannot go on operating a minimum-wage, malnourished system which will never be able to care for our own parents or future generations.

Independent

They are unlikely to get anywhere in the courts, but they may get half the diminished value of their shares when the company is wound up (see article).A re-born Railtrack can now no longer operate as a private-sector company in the usual sense of the word, but it has to go on operating.

The Economist

The reasons are probably manifold, but my guesses on two of them are: 1) There is a feeling that the system is rigged and hopelessly corrupt, and 2) In the scheme of things, people feel one person is too small to make a difference and the system will go on operating with or without us.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"At present, nearly three-quarters of the budget goes on personnel spending [with] 24-25% going on operating costs for current operations and training.

BBC

But sex work had gone on, operating beneath the legal exterior of massage parlours, homes and on the streets.

Vice

The services nonetheless went on operating for months before the council gave its O.K., at which point it said that they could continue to use their own background checks, rather than fingerprinting, until permanent rules were approved.

The New Yorker

I sometimes get anxious about high-risk cases, but I cope by making sure I've given myself enough time and I'm not stressed about anything that's going on outside the operating theatre.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He went on to become the chief operating officer at ATV, a free-to-air channel in Hong Kong before he founded his own investment company, Sun Media Investment Holding.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "go on operating" when you want to emphasize the continuation of a process or activity, especially in the face of challenges or changes. It suggests resilience and persistence.

Common error

Avoid using "go on operating" interchangeably with phrases like "start operating" or "stop operating". The key difference lies in the emphasis on continuation versus initiation or cessation of activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go on operating" functions as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of an action. As noted by Ludwig, it's generally considered grammatically correct, meaning that it can be used to signal that something continues to function or perform its intended purpose.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Social Media

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "go on operating" is a grammatically sound and useful expression indicating the continuation of an activity or function, as affirmed by Ludwig. It's most commonly found in news media, business, and scientific contexts, demonstrating its versatility. While not extremely frequent, understanding its appropriate use and potential alternatives like "continue to operate" or ""remain operational"" can enhance clarity and precision in writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context emphasizes ongoing activity, setting it apart from phrases indicating the start or stop of an operation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to operate

Direct synonym, emphasizes the ongoing nature of the operation.

keep operating

Similar to 'continue', but implies persistence despite potential difficulties.

remain operational

Focuses on the state of being ready and able to function.

stay in operation

Emphasizes the condition of being actively used or running.

proceed with operations

More formal, suggests a planned continuation of activities.

maintain functionality

Focuses on preserving the ability to perform intended functions.

carry on functioning

British English variant, similar to 'continue functioning'.

persist in operating

Highlights the determination to keep something running, even with obstacles.

sustain operations

Suggests keeping operations going at a certain level or capacity.

endure in operation

Implies a long-lasting or resilient continuation of functioning.

FAQs

How can I use "go on operating" in a sentence?

You can use "go on operating" to describe the continuation of a process, business, or system. For example, "Despite the economic downturn, the factory will "continue operating"." or "The website will "remain operational" even during maintenance."

What is a more formal way to say "go on operating"?

A more formal alternative to "go on operating" is to say "continue to operate" or "sustain operations". These options are suitable for business or academic contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "go on operating"?

It's appropriate to use "go on operating" when you want to emphasize that something is continuing its function, often after facing a challenge or potential disruption. This phrase is neutral and can be used in news articles or business reports.

What are some alternatives to "go on operating" that imply persistence?

Alternatives like "persist in operating" or "endure in operation" suggest a determined continuation despite difficulties. Choose these when highlighting resilience is important.