goes on to

USAGE SUMMARY

'goes on to' is a perfectly acceptable phrase in written English which indicates continuity in an action.
For example, "The man walked out of the room and went on to the kitchen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Writer goes on to tell why kids.

The New Yorker

He goes on to explain why.

The New Yorker

Hall goes on to explain how he's managed….

The New Yorker

He goes on to tell more about the experience.

The New Yorker

He goes on to create the PC boom.

Forbes

It kind of goes on to us".

The New York Times

Writer goes on to discuss French politics.

The New Yorker

They accepted, he goes on to say.

The New York Times - Books

Later he goes on to Belarus.

Independent

goes on to give many more subtleties.

The New York Times

Sean goes on to the 66th floor.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a series of events, "goes on to" is effective for showing progression. However, be mindful of overusing it; vary your sentence structure with alternatives such as "continues to" or "proceeds to" for a more dynamic narrative.

Common error

A common mistake is using "goes on to" when there's no clear chronological sequence. Ensure that the actions or events you're connecting genuinely follow each other in time or logic; otherwise, opt for phrases that indicate simultaneous or causally linked events.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "goes on to" functions as a transitional verb phrase to connect sequential events or actions. It typically links an initial action with a subsequent one, indicating a progression or continuation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it suggests continuity in an action.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "goes on to" is a versatile phrase used to indicate the continuation of an action or a sequence of events. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. As the examples show, it is most frequently found in news and media sources, but it is also present in scientific and wiki contexts. While alternatives like "proceeds to" and "continues to" exist, "goes on to" offers a clear and straightforward way to connect related ideas. When employing this phrase, ensure a logical chronological flow to maintain clarity for your readers. Be mindful of context and consider more specific alternatives where needed for enhanced precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceeds to

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the logical sequence of events.

continues to

This alternative emphasizes the uninterrupted nature of the action.

moves on to

This alternative suggests a transition to a new topic or phase.

then continues

Adds a temporal marker to emphasize the sequence.

further elaborates

This focuses on providing more detail or expansion on a topic.

subsequently details

Indicates a later point where more detailed information is offered.

later develops

Emphasizes the unfolding or growth of an idea over time.

then explains

Specifies that the subsequent action is an explanation.

next addresses

Suggests a structured approach where different topics are tackled in order.

thereafter pursues

This alternative is highly formal and emphasizes a determined continuation.

FAQs

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

Use "goes on to" to indicate a continuation or a subsequent action, as in, "After finishing his degree, he "goes on to" work in the technology sector".

What are some alternatives to "goes on to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "proceeds to", "continues to", or "moves on to".

Is "goes on to" formal or informal?

"Goes on to" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "proceeds to" may be preferred in highly formal writing.

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

While both indicate continuation, "goes on to" often implies a transition to a new phase or action, whereas "continues to" suggests an uninterrupted activity. For example, "She finished the report and "goes on to" present it", versus "She "continues to" work on the project".