went on with

USAGE SUMMARY

"went on with" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that an action was continued, either in the same way as before, or in a new direction. For example, "She went on with her work, despite the distractions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They just went on with life.

The New York Times - Sports

The weather worsened as the day went on, with rougher seas and gustier winds.

The New York Times

After a half-hour break the show went on with an understudy.

The New York Times - Arts

For two days, the looting went on, with no one trying to stop them.

Cornell University

Eliot went on with a broader observation, one that implicitly underlies her greatest fiction.

The New Yorker

She went on with the book.

The New Yorker

"I pass," went on with her story.

The New Yorker

Pair went on with rebuilding operations.

The New Yorker

I went on with my due diligence.

Harvard Business Review

He went on with his tea.

The New York Times - Books

Kelbessa went on with his day.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went on with" to clearly indicate the continuation of an action, plan, or discussion, ensuring smooth transitions in your writing. For example, "After a brief pause, she went on with her presentation."

Common error

Avoid using "went on with" when a simple "continued" or a more specific verb would provide greater clarity. Ensure the context warrants emphasizing the continuation rather than simply stating the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went on with" functions as a phrasal verb that indicates the continuation of an action, activity, or narrative. It often suggests that something persisted despite interruptions or challenges. Ludwig shows many examples where people "went on with" their lives or daily routines.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "went on with" is a versatile phrasal verb that denotes the continuation or resumption of an action or activity, often implying resilience or persistence. According to Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media, academic writing, and scientific discourse. Alternatives like "continued with" or "proceeded with" can offer more precision depending on the specific context. Understanding its nuances and appropriate usage, as highlighted by Ludwig, enhances clarity and effectiveness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continued with

Emphasizes the unbroken sequence of an action or activity.

proceeded with

Suggests a more formal or planned continuation.

carried on with

Indicates persistence despite potential obstacles.

persisted with

Highlights the determination to continue, especially when facing challenges.

advanced with

Implies forward movement or progress in the continuation.

kept on with

Stresses the repetitive or habitual nature of the continuation.

stuck with

Suggests loyalty or commitment to the continued action.

followed through with

Implies completing something that was started, often after some delay.

moved forward with

Indicates a strategic decision to continue despite uncertainty.

maintained with

Highlights consistency and stability in continuing something.

FAQs

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

Use "went on with" to indicate that something continued after an interruption or a change. For example, "Despite the rain, the picnic "went on with" as planned."

What are some alternatives to "went on with"?

You can use alternatives like "continued with", "proceeded with", or "carried on with", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "went on with" or should I use another phrase?

"Went on with" is a correct and common phrase. Its suitability depends on the context; alternatives might be more precise in certain situations. Consider if "continued with" or "proceeded with" better fit your intended meaning.

What's the difference between "went on with" and "continued"?

"Went on with" implies a resumption after a pause or change, whereas "continued" simply suggests an unbroken sequence. For example, "The meeting "went on with" after a short break," versus, "The meeting continued until noon."