“Go on” is a phrasal verb that can be used with both gerunds and infinitives. It is a common expression in English and can be used in many different contexts. However, it is important to understand the difference in meaning between using a gerund or an infinitive with go on.
When using go on with a gerund, it means to continue an action that is already in progress. For example, “He went on speaking for two hours” or “I can’t go on working like this – I’m exhausted.” In these examples, the speaker is continuing an action that they have already started.
On the other hand, when using go on with an infinitive, it means to do the next action in a process. For example, “After introducing her proposal, she went on to explain the details” or “He went on to become a successful businessman.” In these examples, the speaker is moving on to the next step in a process or sequence.
Gerund and Infinitive after Go On
When using the phrase “go on,” it can be followed by either a gerund or an infinitive. However, using a gerund after “go on” is more common and natural. The gerund form of the verb is created by adding -ing to the base form of the verb. Here are a few examples:
- I went on eating and eating until I couldn’t stop.
- She went on talking for hours, and I couldn’t get a word in.
- He went on laughing uncontrollably, even though the joke wasn’t that funny.
Using a gerund after “go on” implies that the activity being described is continuous and ongoing. It suggests that the action will continue without interruption or change.
While using an infinitive after “go on” is less common, it can still be used in certain situations. When an infinitive follows “go on,” it suggests that the action being described is a new activity that will follow the current one. Here are a few examples:
- After finishing his homework, he went on to play video games.
- She went on to explain the details of the project after giving an overview.
- He went on to become a successful businessman after graduating from college.
Using an infinitive after “go on” implies that the activity being described is a new one that will follow the current activity. It suggests that the action will change or evolve in some way.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Using “go on” with gerunds and infinitives can be tricky, and there are some common mistakes to avoid:
- Mistake 1: Using “go on” with a gerund when an infinitive is required
- Mistake 2: Using “go on” with an infinitive when a gerund is required
- Mistake 3: Using “go on” with the wrong verb form after certain modal verbs
Let’s take a closer look at each of these mistakes:
Mistake 1: Using “go on” with a gerund when an infinitive is required
Some verbs require an infinitive after “go on,” such as “decide,” “plan,” “hope,” and “want.” For example:
- Incorrect: She went on studying for the exam all night.
- Correct: She went on to study for the exam all night.
Here, “study” is a verb that requires an infinitive after “go on.” The correct sentence uses “to study” instead of “studying.”
Mistake 2: Using “go on” with the wrong verb form after certain modal verbs
Some modal verbs, such as “should,” “can,” and “might,” require an infinitive without “to” after “go on.” For example:
- Incorrect: You should go on to take a break.
- Correct: You should go on taking a break.
Here, “take” is the wrong verb form after “go on” because “should” requires an infinitive without “to.” The correct sentence uses “taking” instead of “to take.”
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can use “go on” with gerunds and infinitives correctly and sound more natural in English.
Examples of Go On + Gerund
Go on + gerund is a phrasal verb that is used to indicate the continuation of an action. Here are some examples:
- He went on speaking for two hours.
- She went on laughing even though no one else was amused.
- We went on hiking even though it was getting dark.
As you can see, the gerund form of the verb is used after the phrasal verb “go on”. This indicates that the action is continuing or being repeated.
Examples of Go On + Infinitive
The phrase “go on + infinitive” is used to describe the next action in a process or sequence. Here are some examples:
- After finishing the appetizers, we will go on to the main course.
- Once you have completed this exercise, you can go on to the next one.
- After introducing her proposal, she went on to explain the details.
As you can see, “go on + infinitive” is often used to describe a transition from one stage of a process to the next. It can also be used to describe a continuation of an action or activity.
Conclusion
After analyzing the usage of “go on” followed by gerunds and infinitives, it is clear that there is no hard and fast rule for using one over the other. It mostly depends on the main verb in the sentence.
However, some verbs are followed by gerunds, while others are followed by infinitives. It is important to note that some verbs can be followed by both gerunds and infinitives, but with different meanings. For instance, “go on to” followed by a gerund means to continue doing something, while “go on to” followed by an infinitive means to start doing something new.
Using gerunds and infinitives correctly with verbs can be challenging, but with practice, it can become easier. We recommend using a reliable grammar guide or consulting with a language tutor to clarify any doubts.
In conclusion, understanding the usage of “go on” followed by gerunds and infinitives is essential for clear and effective communication in English. By paying attention to the main verb in the sentence and the context, we can use gerunds and infinitives appropriately to convey our intended meaning.