Cool MateCarry on vs Go on
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Carry on
Top 2,000 (common)
Go on
Top 1,000 (very common)
Most common: Go on
| Carry on | Go on | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈkæri ɒn//🇺🇸 //ˈkæri ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //ɡəʊ ɒn//🇺🇸 //ɡoʊ ɑn// |
| Meaning | To continue doing something. | to continue doing something |
| Example | Despite the distractions, she decided to carry on with her studies. | Please go on with your story. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| Collocations | carry on working, carry on despite, carry on with a task | go on talking, go on with life, go on a trip, go on a mission, go on stage |
| Antonyms | - | stop, cease, halt |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'carry out', which means to perform or execute., Using 'carry on' without a gerund or direct object when required. | Using 'go on' with a direct object incorrectly., Confusing with 'go on with' — which has a different meaning., Incorrect use of verb forms after 'go on.' |
| Usage notes | Use 'carry on' to describe continuing an action. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but can sound informal in very formal writing. | Used in both spoken and written English. Avoid in very formal contexts. Common in informal conversations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Carry on vs Go on
What's the difference between Carry on and Go on?
Carry on: To continue doing something. Go on: to continue doing something
Which is more common: Carry on and Go on?
Go on is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Carry on: Despite the distractions, she decided to carry on with her studies. Go on: Please go on with your story.
Can I use Carry on and Go on interchangeably?
Not always. Carry on and Go on are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.