Cool MateCarry on vs Go on vs Persist vs Proceed
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Carry on
Go on
Persist
Proceed
| Carry on | Go on | Persist | Proceed | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈkæri ɒn//🇺🇸 //ˈkæri ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //ɡəʊ ɒn//🇺🇸 //ɡoʊ ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //pəˈsɪst//🇺🇸 //pərˈsɪst// | 🇬🇧 //prəˈsiːd//🇺🇸 //prəˈsid// |
| Meaning | To continue doing something. | to continue doing something | To keep trying despite difficulties or obstacles. | To go forward or continue doing something. |
| 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. | Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | - | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | 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 | proceed with caution, proceed to the next step, proceed according to plan |
| Antonyms | - | stop, cease, halt | give up, quit, yield | stop, halt, cease |
| 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. | Confused with 'proceeding' (the noun form)., Incorrectly using 'to' when 'with' is needed., Using it in passive voice (e.g., 'be proceeded' is incorrect). |
| 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. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Common in instructions, legal documents, and project management. |
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Frequently asked questions: Carry on vs Go on vs Persist vs Proceed
What's the difference between Carry on, Go on, Persist, and Proceed?
Carry on: To continue doing something. Go on: to continue doing something Persist: To keep trying despite difficulties or obstacles. Proceed: To go forward or continue doing something.
Which is more advanced: Carry on, Go on, Persist, and Proceed?
Persist is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
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. Proceed: Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project.
Can I use Carry on, Go on, Persist, and Proceed interchangeably?
Not always. Carry on, Go on, Persist, and Proceed 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.