goes on

USAGE SUMMARY

"goes on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is continuing. For example, "Although things have been difficult, the show must go on."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It just goes on, man.

The New York Times - Magazine

And life goes on, unchanged.

The New York Times

Life goes on.

The New York Times - Magazine

That goes on".

Independent

The development goes on.

Independent

"It goes on everything".

The New York Times - Food

But it goes on.

The New York Times - Arts

And it goes on.

The New York Times

But Westbeth goes on.

The New York Times

Meanwhile, life goes on.

The New York Times

Yet he goes on.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "goes on" to indicate the continuation of an action, event, or state. For variety, consider synonyms like "continues", "persists", or "proceeds" to enrich your writing.

Common error

While "goes on" is versatile, it can sometimes sound informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "continues" or "persists" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goes on" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the continuation of an action, event, or state. It is often used to express that something is happening or progressing, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "goes on" is grammatically correct and very common in English. Ludwig AI confirms that it indicates the continuation of an action, event, or state. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context and choose more formal alternatives like "continues" or "persists" in professional writing. Its usage is most frequent in news and media, with a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Being aware of its subtle nuances allows for precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continues

This alternative directly replaces "goes on" with a single word synonym, focusing on the ongoing nature of an event or action.

persists

Emphasizes the enduring quality of something, often in the face of challenges or obstacles, adding a sense of resilience.

proceeds

Focuses on the forward movement or continuation of a process or event, suggesting a structured progression.

happens

This alternative is appropriate when referring to an action or event that unfolds or takes place.

applies

Highlights the relevance or applicability of something to a particular situation or context, indicating a functional relationship.

is in progress

This alternative emphasizes that an action is currently happening and moving towards completion.

rolls on

This alternative conveys a sense of time passing and events unfolding without significant interruption.

carries on

Implies continuation despite difficulties or obstacles, emphasizing perseverance and resilience.

is still happening

Directly states that an event is ongoing, without adding any additional nuances or implications.

remains

Emphasizes the persistence of a state, condition, or quality over time, highlighting its stability.

FAQs

How can I use "goes on" in a sentence?

"Goes on" indicates that something is continuing. For example, "The meeting "goes on" until 5 PM" means the meeting is scheduled to continue until that time.

What's the difference between "goes on" and "continues"?

While both indicate continuation, "continues" is generally more formal. "Goes on" can be used in a broader range of contexts, while "continues" often implies a more deliberate or sustained action.

What can I say instead of "life goes on"?

You can use alternatives like "life "continues"", "life "persists"", or "life "carries on"" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "goes on" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "goes on" might sound informal in some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "proceeds", "persists", or "continues" for a more professional tone.