Meaning trap
go on
continue
To keep doing something or to keep happening without stopping.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To keep doing something or to keep happening without stopping.
Another meaning of 'go on' is 'happen'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
She went on talking even though everyone was tired.
If I get stuck on a difficult question, I usually go on and try to answer the rest first.
Fix the pattern
One small grammar move makes it sound right.
Not: He went on to talking for an hour.
Say: He went on talking for an hour.
'Go on + -ing' = keep doing. 'Go on TO + verb' = do next (different meaning). Don't mix them.
Which sounds natural?
Tap the one a native speaker would say.
To tell someone to keep talking, natives just say 'go on'. The formal version is unnecessary.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
go on + -ing
- talking
- working
- forever
- as before
Don't confuse it
Related
Other meanings and phrases to compare.
- go on (happen) — Another meaning of 'go on' is 'happen'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.