it goes

USAGE SUMMARY

"it goes" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used in informal writing to introduce or indicate the next step in a sequence of events. For example: "We need to buy the ingredients, make the cake, and then it goes in the oven for an hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It goes high and it goes low".

The New York Times

"If it goes, it goes.

The New York Times - Sports

But it goes on.

The New York Times - Arts

It goes in phases.

The New York Times - Sports

And it goes on.

The New York Times

It goes badly".

The New York Times

It goes everywhere.

The New York Times

It goes Chunk!

The New Yorker

"But so it goes.

The New York Times - Magazine

Until it goes wrong.

Independent

"Here it goes again.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it goes" to smoothly transition between steps in a process or to describe the unfolding of events in a narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "it goes" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or sophisticated phrasing is preferred. Opt for alternatives like "it proceeds" or "it continues" for a more professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it goes" primarily functions as a transitive verb indicating progression, continuation, or the unfolding of an event or process. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in written English. Examples show it introducing steps or describing sequences.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Academia

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it goes" is a versatile phrase used to indicate progression, continuation, or the unfolding of events. While grammatically correct and very common, as Ludwig AI confirms, its informality makes it less suitable for formal or academic writing. Its primary function is to illustrate how something proceeds, often found in narrative or process-oriented contexts. While you can see "it goes" in many contexts and sources, from The New York Times to Forbes, more authoritative phrasing is possible, for example, it continues. Be mindful of the context and choose the most appropriate phrase to convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it continues

Focuses on the uninterrupted nature of an action or state, emphasizing its ongoing aspect.

it proceeds

Emphasizes a more formal or structured continuation, often implying a planned sequence.

it progresses

Emphasizes forward movement or advancement toward a goal or outcome.

it carries on

Emphasizes perseverance and continuation despite challenges or difficulties.

it happens

Highlights the occurrence or taking place of an event, often without specific direction or intention.

it advances

Similar to 'it progresses' but suggests a more significant or forceful forward movement.

it unfolds

Suggests a gradual revelation or development, often in a narrative context.

it rolls on

Suggests relentless and continuous movement, often in the face of obstacles.

it transpires

Implies a revelation or discovery, often of something unexpected or previously unknown.

it develops

Focuses on the gradual growth or evolution of something over time.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it goes" is versatile. You can use it to describe a process (first this, then "it goes" there), explain a sequence of events, or simply indicate how something progresses.

What are some alternatives to "it goes"?

Depending on the context, you can substitute "it goes" with phrases like "it continues", "it progresses", or "it happens".

Is "it goes" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it goes" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise and sophisticated alternatives such as "it proceeds" or "it continues".

What does "it goes without saying" mean?

"It goes without saying" means that something is so obvious or well-understood that it doesn't need to be explicitly stated. For example, "It goes without saying that safety is our top priority."