went on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "went on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that an action or event continued after a certain point. For example: "We discussed the project for an hour, and then went on to talk about other matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The procedures went on smoothly.

Language Testing in Asia

"I went on Sunday.

The New Yorker

The speeches went on.

The New York Times - Travel

Their list went on.

The New York Times

The show went on.

The New Yorker

He went on safari!

The New York Times

The campaign went on.

The New York Times

I went on television.

The New York Times

They went on talking.

The New Yorker

The list went on.

The New York Times

She went on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went on" to clearly indicate the continuation of an action or event in chronological order. Ensure the context provides a clear understanding of what is being continued.

Common error

Avoid using "went on" without sufficient context, which can leave the reader unsure of what exactly is continuing. Always ensure the subject and action are clearly established before using the phrase.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went on" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the continuation of an action, event, or state. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in diverse contexts, affirming its role in conveying ongoing processes or narratives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "went on" is a versatile verb phrase used to denote the continuation of an action or event. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across various contexts. With a high frequency of occurrence, particularly in News & Media, it effectively bridges sequential events, adding continuity to narratives. While alternatives like "continued", "proceeded", and "carried on" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance desired. Writers should ensure sufficient context to avoid ambiguity, making "went on" a reliable phrase in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued

This alternative directly replaces "went on" to indicate the action persisted.

proceeded

Replaces "went on" by indicating a forward movement or continuation in a process.

carried on

Indicates continuation, similar to "went on", often implying persistence despite challenges.

happened

Indicates an event that occurred or continued to occur.

took place

Similar to "happened", emphasizing the occurrence or continuation of an event.

moved forward

Suggests progression, replacing "went on" by focusing on the forward direction.

further elaborated

Replaces "went on" in contexts where additional details or explanations are provided.

kept going

Informal way of saying "went on", focusing on the sustained effort or action.

extended

Indicates that something was prolonged or continued for a longer duration.

persisted

Highlights the continuous nature of an action, especially in the face of difficulty.

FAQs

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

Use "went on" to describe the continuation of an action or event. For example, "The meeting started late and "went on" for hours".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "went on"?

Alternatives to "went on" include "continued", "proceeded", or "carried on". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "went on" and "continued"?

While "went on" and "continued" are often interchangeable, "went on" can sometimes imply a more dynamic or eventful continuation, while "continued" is a more neutral term.

Can "went on" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "went on" is acceptable in formal writing, but more formal alternatives like "proceeded" or "continued" might be preferred in certain contexts.