ENGLISH
REFERENCE

go on at

phr. v..
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford British English Informal

phr. v.. to complain to someone or criticize them repeatedly, usually in an annoying way.

phr. v.. to pester or criticize someone persistently; a transitive phrasal verb typically used to describe nagging or repetitive verbal harassment.


SIMPLE

My parents always go on at me about my messy room.

CONTEXTUAL

She decided to quit her job because her boss was constantly going on at her for minor mistakes.

COMPLEX

The opposition party continued to go on at the prime minister regarding the lack of transparency in the recent budget negotiations.

Particles
on at
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
go + on + at + object
Usage

The object is always the person being criticized or nagged.

Teaching tip

Contrast with 'nag' or 'pester'; 'go on at' emphasizes the repetitive, verbal nature of the annoyance and is very common in British spoken English.

Pitfall

He went on me about the bill.He went on at me about the bill.The preposition 'at' is essential to indicate the target of the nagging; without it, the phrase loses this specific meaning.

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