Cool MateCarry on vs Go on vs Proceed
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Carry on
Top 2,000 (common)
Go on
Top 1,000 (very common)
Proceed
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
| Carry on | Go on | Proceed | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈkæri ɒn//🇺🇸 //ˈkæri ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //ɡəʊ ɒn//🇺🇸 //ɡoʊ ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //prəˈsiːd//🇺🇸 //prəˈsid// |
| Meaning | To continue doing something. | to continue doing something | 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. | Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | - | B2 |
| 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 | proceed with caution, proceed to the next step, proceed according to plan |
| Antonyms | - | stop, cease, halt | 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 '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. | 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 Proceed
What's the difference between Carry on, Go on, and Proceed?
Carry on: To continue doing something. Go on: to continue doing something Proceed: To go forward or continue doing something.
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. Proceed: Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project.
Can I use Carry on, Go on, and Proceed interchangeably?
Not always. Carry on, Go on, 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.