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What is Go ahead? The differences between Go ahead and other phrases

What is Go ahead? Undoubtedly, many of you are looking for an answer to this topic. In addition to explaining what "Go ahead" means, PREP also clarifies the differences between "Go ahead" and "Go-ahead," as well as the phrases "Go on," "Go through," "Go over," and "Go off." Read below!

Common usage of Go ahead structure
Common usage of Go ahead structure

I. What is Go ahead?

According to the Cambridge Dictionary, Go ahead functions as a phrasal verb in English, meaning: to begin or continue to do something, give someone permission to start to do something. For example:

  • The “BYN” music club received permission to go ahead with the music festival. 
  • "May I go out to answer my phone?" "Sure, go ahead." 
  • The project is now going ahead as planned. 
What is Go ahead?
What is Go ahead?

Refer to some more articles:

II. Usage of the Go ahead structure

Let's learn about the common usages of Go ahead with PREP!

1. To begin or continue to do something

The Go ahead structure is used when we start or continue to do something. For example:

  • The feast will go ahead as scheduled. 
  • Jerry will go ahead and finish the presentation.

2. To give someone permission to start to do something

The Go ahead structure is used when we give permission for someone to do something. For example:

  • “Can I borrow your book?” “Yes, go ahead”. 
  • You can go ahead first, I am busy now. 

III. The differences between Go ahead and Go-ahead

At first glance, we might think that the only distinction between Go ahead and Go-ahead is the hyphen. However, this small detail is the crucial one that helps distinguish them. Let's find out more below with PREP!

Differences

Go ahead

Go-ahead

Part of speech

Phrasal verb

Noun and adjective

Meaning

Go ahead means starting or continuing to do something.

Go-ahead, as a noun, means the beginning or permission. As an adjective, it means enthusiastic about using new products and modern methods of doing things.

Example

You can go ahead without me; I'll catch up later. 

 

 

  • Once the project proposal received the necessary approvals and funding, it was given the official go-ahead to begin implementation. 
  • As a go-ahead company, we build a flexible system for our employees. 
The differences between Go ahead and Go-ahead
III. The differences between Go ahead and Go-ahead

IV. The differences between Go ahead, Go on, Go through, Go over and Go off

Go ahead, Go on, Go through, Go over and Go off all function as phrasal verbs. However, each phrase is used in a different situation depending on the particular context. Let's find out more below with PREP!

Differences

Meaning

Example

Go ahead

Allow someone to do something, start or continue to do something

Please, go ahead and take the last piece of cake. I'm full. 

Go on

Continue

Robert didn't let the criticism stop him. He decided to go on with his project. 

Go through

Experience a difficult or unpleasant situation

We need to go through this stack of paperwork to find the missing contract. 

Go over

Examine or review information, a project, or a document in a careful or detailed way

Let's go over the details of the presentation one more time to make sure everything is perfect. 

Go off

Make a sound or noise, such as an explosion or an alarm clock ringing.

The bomb went off at the Halloween festival yesterday, but luckily, no one was hurt.

The differences between Go ahead, Go on, Go through, Go over and Go off
The differences between Go ahead, Go on, Go through, Go over and Go off

V. Exercises of Go ahead structure in English

Let's reinforce our knowledge of Go ahead with two exercises below with PREP!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Choose the suitable phrasal verb to fill in the blanks: Go ahead, Go on, Go through, Go over, Go off.

  1. Please _______and start the presentation whenever you're ready.
  2. Alex decided to_______with the project after the one-month delay despite  facing many challenges.
  3. I _______ a tough time of coping with my mental health last week.
  4. Let 's_______the main points of the plan to ensure everyone understands their roles.
  5. Yesterday, the fire alarm_______, and everyone in the building had to evacuate immediately.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer:

  1. The project received the official _______ from the board of directors.
    1. Go ahead
    2. Go-ahead
  2. You can _______and start eating; I'll be there in a minute.
    1. Go ahead
    2. Go-ahead
  3. I gave her my_______to use my computer while I'm away.
    1. Go ahead
    2. Go-ahead
  4. The festival is now_______ as planned.
    1. Going ahead
    2. Go-ahead
  5. We can't proceed with the construction until we have the necessary_______ from the local authorities.
    1. Go ahead
    2. Go-ahead

2. Answers

Exercise 1:

  1. Go ahead
  2. Go on
  3. Went through
  4. Go over
  5. Went off

Exercise 2:

  1. B
  2. A
  3. B
  4. A
  5. B

PREP hopes that this article has clarified the meaning of the English phrasal verb Go ahead and taught you how to distinguish it from Go-ahead, and some other English phrasal verbs. PREP hopes you have even greater success in mastering English knowledge!

Master Tu Pham
Master Tu Pham
Founder/CEO at Prep
Founder of Prep Smart Test Preparation Platform. With over 10 years of experience in teaching and test preparation, Mr. Tú has helped thousands of students achieve high scores in the IELTS exam. In addition, Mr. Tú Phạm is also a consulting expert in British Council programs and a speaker at many leading educational events, programs, and conferences.
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