# go on to

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

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

## Definition

to do something else after you have finished a previous task or activity.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He went on to talking about the budget." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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).

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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.