Cool MateCarry on vs Go on vs Persist
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Carry on
Top 2,000 (common)
Go on
Top 1,000 (very common)
Persist
Top 2,000 (common)C1verb
Most common: Go on
| Carry on | Go on | Persist | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈkæri ɒn//🇺🇸 //ˈkæri ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //ɡəʊ ɒn//🇺🇸 //ɡoʊ ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //pəˈsɪst//🇺🇸 //pərˈsɪst// |
| Meaning | To continue doing something. | to continue doing something | To keep trying despite difficulties or obstacles. |
| Example | Despite the distractions, she decided to carry on with her studies. | Please go on with your story. | Despite numerous setbacks, she decided to persist with her research project. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | - | - | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | ||
| 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 | persist in doing something, persist with a plan, persist through challenges |
| Antonyms | - | stop, cease, halt | give up, quit, yield |
| 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.' | Confused with 'insist' - both imply persistence but have different uses., Incorrect verb form - it's 'persisted' for past tense, not 'persisted' for plural subjects., Omitting subject pronoun is common in informal speech. |
| 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. | Use 'persist' when you want to express determination to continue with an action. It can apply to personal efforts, research, or legislative processes. Avoid using it in casual contexts where simpler words like 'hang on' might be more appropriate. |
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Frequently asked questions: Carry on vs Go on vs Persist
What's the difference between Carry on, Go on, and Persist?
Carry on: To continue doing something. Go on: to continue doing something Persist: To keep trying despite difficulties or obstacles.
Which is more common: Carry on, Go on, and Persist?
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. Persist: Despite numerous setbacks, she decided to persist with her research project.
Can I use Carry on, Go on, and Persist interchangeably?
Not always. Carry on, Go on, and Persist 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.