English Reference
phrasal verb · noun

go ahead

phr.v. · n.

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    phr.v.to start or continue doing something, especially after waiting for a decision.

    phr.v.to proceed with a planned course of action, often after a delay or after receiving authorization.

    Simple

    The city decided to go ahead with the new park project despite the costs.

    In context

    The board of directors finally voted to go ahead with the merger after months of intense legal and financial negotiations.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Informal

    phr.v.you say this to tell someone they can start doing what they asked to do.

    phr.v.used in the imperative to grant permission or express endorsement of a proposal.

    Simple

    "Can I use your phone for a second?" "Sure, go ahead."

    In context

    When the intern asked if she could lead the presentation, the manager simply nodded and told her to go ahead.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the permission or signal to start a project or activity.

    n.a signal or formal permission to proceed with a task or project.

    Simple

    We are just waiting for the go-ahead from the boss before we print the books.

    In context

    The research team received the official go-ahead from the ethics committee, allowing them to begin the clinical trials immediately.

  4. 04 C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    phr.v.to start speaking or sending a message over a radio.

    phr.v.to transmit a message or signal via radio communication, typically after being acknowledged by the receiver.

    Simple

    The pilot was told to go ahead with his landing request.

    In context

    Once the frequency was clear, the dispatcher signaled the unit to go ahead with the emergency transmission.

Teaching tip

highlight its use as a polite imperative ('Go ahead!') to encourage someone to speak first in a conversation or to enter a doorway.

Particles
ahead
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
go + ahead (+ with + object)
This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Very common
Updated