go on speaking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "go on speaking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when encouraging someone to continue talking or expressing their thoughts. Example: "Even though the audience seemed restless, the speaker decided to go on speaking about the importance of climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Only one person is now urging Mr Chrétien to go on speaking his mind on Quebec and playing a part in its coming election: Mr Bouchard.In this section After Mitch And you, General?

The Economist

Returning to America, I want to go on speaking Italian.

The New Yorker

"I will go on speaking the truth" to create a better Russia, he told the crowd.

The New York Times

Not a bit of it – he plans to go on speaking his backbench mind and making trouble.

The Guardian

Alive, writers are already ghosts, disembodied voices in our heads; during their afterlives, they go on speaking to us from beyond the grave.

The Guardian - Books

Narrative secrets are not the same as human mysteries, a lesson that novelists seem fated to forget, again and again; the former quickly confess themselves, and fall silent, while the true mysteries go on speaking.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

To be honest I was quite optimistic as the campaigning was going on, speaking to people who seemed disillusioned by the Tories.

Vice

The play begins with Holiday's words, "I can't go on," spoken offstage.

The New York Times

Sean went on, speaking faster.

The New York Times - Magazine

"My daughters know that education is a key to success," Ms. Sanchez goes on, speaking in Spanish.

The New York Times

"And then I faced a choice," he went on, speaking rapidly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing dialogues, use "go on speaking" to subtly indicate the speaker's persistence or determination to finish their statement, even amid interruptions or resistance.

Common error

Avoid using "go on speaking" in situations where a brief, concise response is expected. The phrase implies a sustained, uninterrupted flow of speech which might not be suitable for quick exchanges.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "go on speaking" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically indicating the continuation of the act of speaking. Ludwig confirms that this is a correct and usable construction. It is primarily used to encourage someone to keep talking or to describe someone who is maintaining a flow of speech.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "go on speaking" is a phrasal verb that means to continue talking. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and general writing. While it maintains a relatively neutral tone, it leans towards the informal side and is best employed when emphasizing continuous, uninterrupted speech. Alternatives include "continue speaking" and "keep talking". Remember to consider the context and the desired level of formality when choosing to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue speaking

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the uninterrupted continuation of speaking.

carry on talking

This alternative, common in British English, indicates continuing a conversation without stopping.

keep on speaking

Similar to "keep talking", this suggests ongoing verbal communication, possibly in the face of difficulty.

keep talking

This alternative is more informal and suggests persistence in talking, even if unwanted.

resume speaking

This alternative specifically refers to restarting speech after a pause or break.

proceed to speak

This alternative suggests a transition to speaking after some pause or interruption.

go ahead and speak

This alternative implies permission or encouragement to start or continue speaking.

maintain speaking

Implies holding on to the right to speak or continuing to deliver a message.

sustain speech

Implies an effort to keep the speech going, possibly due to fatigue or lack of interest.

pursue speaking

This alternative is unusual, but it suggests following a line of thought or argument in speaking.

FAQs

What does "go on speaking" mean?

The phrase "go on speaking" means to continue talking, often implying that the speaker should continue without interruption or hesitation.

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

You can use "go on speaking" to encourage someone to continue their narrative, such as in the sentence, "Even though the crowd was getting restless, he decided to "go on speaking" about the importance of sustainable energy."

What are some alternatives to "go on speaking"?

Alternatives to "go on speaking" include "continue speaking", "keep talking", or "proceed to speak". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "go on speaking" or "continue to speak"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "go on speaking" implies a more conversational and less formal tone compared to "continue to speak". The latter is often preferred in more formal or academic contexts.