# be going on

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/be-going-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to happen or take place; you use this to talk about events or activities that are currently occurring.

For teachers: to occur or happen; often used in the progressive aspect to describe ongoing events or to inquire about a situation.

## Examples

- There is a lot of noise going on next door.
- I walked into the office and immediately felt that something strange was going on between the managers.
- While the public focused on the election, several significant legislative changes were going on behind the scenes without much media coverage.

## Pitfalls

- Not "What is go on here?" but "What is going on here?" — the phrase usually requires the present participle '-ing' form when describing an active, current situation.

## Usage notes

- almost always used in the continuous form ('going on') to describe current events.
- Teaching tip: this is a high-frequency alternative to 'happen'; use the question 'What's going on?' to teach it as a natural social inquiry.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.