# go on at

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/go-on-at
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

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

For teachers: to pester or criticize someone persistently; a transitive phrasal verb typically used to describe nagging or repetitive verbal harassment.

## Examples

- My parents always go on at me about my messy room.
- She decided to quit her job because her boss was constantly going on at her for minor mistakes.
- The opposition party continued to go on at the prime minister regarding the lack of transparency in the recent budget negotiations.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He went on me about the bill." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.