Cool MateGo on then vs Proceed
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Go on then
InformalTop 5,000 (fairly common)
Proceed
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most formal: ProceedMost common: Proceed
| Go on then | Proceed | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɡəʊ ɒn ðɛn//🇺🇸 //ɡoʊ ɑn ðɛn// | 🇬🇧 //prəˈsiːd//🇺🇸 //prəˈsid// |
| Meaning | Okay, continue or proceed. | To go forward or continue doing something. |
| Example | If you want to share your story, go on then! | Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | go on, go on with, go on and | proceed with caution, proceed to the next step, proceed according to plan |
| Antonyms | - | stop, halt, cease |
| Common mistakes | Using it in overly formal situations., Not recognizing it as a prompt for action., Misunderstanding it as a request for permission rather than encouragement. | 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 | Used to encourage someone to continue, often after hesitation. Common in casual conversations, but might not be suitable in formal settings. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Common in instructions, legal documents, and project management. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Go on then vs Proceed
What's the difference between Go on then and Proceed?
Go on then: Okay, continue or proceed. Proceed: To go forward or continue doing something.
Which is more formal: Go on then and Proceed?
Proceed is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Go on then and Proceed?
Proceed is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Go on then: If you want to share your story, go on then! Proceed: Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project.
Can I use Go on then and Proceed interchangeably?
Not always. Go on then 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.