Go on vs That's good keep it up

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Go on

Top 1,000 (very common)

That's good keep it up

InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Most formal: Go onMost common: Go on
 Go onThat's good keep it up
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //ɡəʊ ɒn//🇺🇸 //ɡoʊ ɑn//🇬🇧 //ðæts ɡʊd kiːp ɪt ʌp//🇺🇸 //ðæts ɡʊd kiːp ɪt ʌp//
Meaningto continue doing somethingA phrase to encourage someone to continue doing well.
ExamplePlease go on with your story.Your presentation was excellent! That's good, keep it up!
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Top 3,000 (common)
Collocationsgo on talking, go on with life, go on a trip, go on a mission, go on stagekeep up the good work, keep it going, keep pushing, keep moving, keep trying
Antonymsstop, cease, halt-
Common mistakesUsing '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.'Using 'keep it up' alone without context., Confusing with 'good job' which is less specific., Overusing in professional situations.
Usage notesUsed in both spoken and written English. Avoid in very formal contexts. Common in informal conversations.Used to motivate someone after a positive effort. Typically informal, suitable among friends and peers. Avoid in formal settings.

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Go on
That's good keep it up

Frequently asked questions: Go on vs That's good keep it up

What's the difference between Go on and That's good keep it up?

Go on: to continue doing something That's good keep it up: A phrase to encourage someone to continue doing well.

Which is more formal: Go on and That's good keep it up?

Go on is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Go on and That's good keep it up?

Go on is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Go on: Please go on with your story. That's good keep it up: Your presentation was excellent! That's good, keep it up!

Can I use Go on and That's good keep it up interchangeably?

Not always. Go on and That's good keep it up 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.

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