ENGLISH
REFERENCE

go on with

phr. v..
B1 Intermediate Oxford General-service

phr. v.. to continue doing something that you have already started.

phr. v.. to proceed with an activity or task, often after an interruption or delay; functions as a three-part phrasal verb requiring a direct object.


SIMPLE

Please go on with your work while I am out.

CONTEXTUAL

After the fire alarm stopped ringing, the students were told to go on with their exam.

COMPLEX

Despite the technical difficulties during the first half of the presentation, the speaker managed to go on with his speech as if nothing had happened.

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

usually followed by a noun or a gerund (-ing form) representing the task being continued.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'go on' (intransitive) and 'continue' (more formal); highlight that 'with' is necessary when the activity is mentioned as an object.

Pitfall

Please go on your story.Please go on with your story.the preposition 'with' is required to connect the phrasal verb to the object of the activity.

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