Phrasal verb
go on to
Definition
phrasal verb. to do something else after you have finished a previous task or activity.
phrasal verb. to proceed to a subsequent action or stage after completing a prior one; often used to describe a progression in a career or a sequence of events.
Examples
“After university, she went on to become a doctor.”
“The presenter finished the introduction and went on to explain the main findings of the study.”
“Having established himself as a successful novelist, he went on to direct several award-winning films that explored similar themes of isolation.”
Examples
simple
“After university, she went on to become a doctor.”
contextual
“The presenter finished the introduction and went on to explain the main findings of the study.”
complex
“Having established himself as a successful novelist, he went on to direct several award-winning films that explored similar themes of isolation.”
Usage
usually followed by a to-infinitive to show a change in activity.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'go on doing' (continuing the same action) versus 'go on to do' (starting a new, subsequent action).
Pitfall
He went on to talking about the budget.
He went on to talk about the budget.
when 'go on to' means 'to do the next thing', it must be followed by the infinitive, not the -ing form.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on to
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
go + on + to + verb
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/go-on-to