Cool MateGo on vs If you're leaving just go
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Go on
Top 1,000 (very common)
If you're leaving just go
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Go onMost common: Go on
| Go on | If you're leaving just go | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ɡəʊ ɒn//🇺🇸 //ɡoʊ ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //ɪf jʊə ˈliːvɪŋ dʒʌst ɡəʊ//🇺🇸 //ɪf jʊr ˈlivɪŋ dʒʌst ɡoʊ// |
| Meaning | to continue doing something | A phrase telling someone to leave without hesitation. |
| Example | Please go on with your story. | If you're leaving just go, we don't want to hold you back. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | go on talking, go on with life, go on a trip, go on a mission, go on stage | just go, leave now, don't hesitate |
| Antonyms | stop, cease, halt | - |
| Common mistakes | 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.' | Overusing in formal speeches., Using with strangers or professional settings., Confusing with other phrases like 'you can go'. |
| Usage notes | Used in both spoken and written English. Avoid in very formal contexts. Common in informal conversations. | Used in casual contexts, often when someone is hesitating. Not suitable for formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Go on vs If you're leaving just go
What's the difference between Go on and If you're leaving just go?
Go on: to continue doing something If you're leaving just go: A phrase telling someone to leave without hesitation.
Which is more formal: Go on and If you're leaving just go?
Go on is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Go on and If you're leaving just go?
Go on is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Go on: Please go on with your story. If you're leaving just go: If you're leaving just go, we don't want to hold you back.
Can I use Go on and If you're leaving just go interchangeably?
Not always. Go on and If you're leaving just go 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.