The difference between Go on and Keep on

When used as verbs, go on means to continue in extent, whereas keep on means to persist or continue.


Go on is also interjection with the meaning: expresses surprise, disbelief or incredulity.

check bellow for the other definitions of Go on and Keep on

  1. Go on as a verb:

    To continue in extent.

    Examples:

    "The meeting seemed to go on forever."

  2. Go on as a verb:

    To continue an action.

    Examples:

    "I think I've said enough now; I'm not sure I should go on."

    "He went on walking even when the policeman told him to stop."

  3. Go on as a verb:

    To proceed.

    Examples:

    "He went on to win a gold medal."

  4. Go on as a verb:

    To talk about a subject frequently or at great length.

    Examples:

    "Will you stop going on about your stupid holiday."

    "Sam goes on and on about Pokémon."

  5. Go on as a verb:

    To use and adopt (information) in order to understand an issue, make a decision, etc.

    Examples:

    "We can't go on what this map says; it's twenty years out of date."

    "I didn't make a decision because I didn't have anything to go on."

  6. Go on as a verb:

    To happen .

    Examples:

    "What's going on?!"

    "I really don't want to know what goes on between you and your boyfriend [[behind closed doors]]."

  1. Keep on as a verb (transitive, idiomatic):

    To persist or continue.

    Examples:

    " Keep on trucking!"

    "Mum, Jimmy keeps on poking me!"

  2. Keep on as a verb (intransitive, idiomatic):

    To persist in talking about a subject to the annoyance of the listener.

    Examples:

    "For goodness sake, will you stop keeping on about it!"

  3. Keep on as a verb (transitive, idiomatic):

    To cause or allow to remain in an existing position.

    Examples:

    "The new boss would like to keep on the present secretary."