Go On Doing vs. Go On To Do
“Go on + -ing” continues the same activity. “Go on + to-infinitive” moves the sequence forward to a different action or later stage.
“Go on doing” means continue the same activity. “Go on to do” means move to a different or later action or stage.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| continue the same activity | go on + -ing | Use -ing for continuation. |
| move to a different or later action/stage | go on + to-infinitive | Use the to-infinitive for progression to what happens next. |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you continuing the same activity rather than moving to a new one?
If yes: Use “go on” plus -ing.
If no: Use “go on” plus the to-infinitive when the sequence moves to a different action or later stage.
Caveat: The contrast is meaning-sensitive: -ing signals continuation, while the to-infinitive signals progression.
Examples
She went on talking after the interruption.
The same activity continued.
She went on to explain the next stage.
The sentence moves to a later action.
After describing the problem, he went on to propose a solution.
The to-infinitive marks progression to a new action.
Further guidance
Infinitive Pattern
Use go on + to-infinitive for moving on to another action, stage, or later development.
Ing Pattern
Use go on + -ing for continuing the same activity.
Sequence Boundary
The to-infinitive pattern signals progression to what happens next rather than simple continuation of the same activity.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- Go on — Cambridge Dictionary (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Go on + -ing for continuing the same activity and go on + to-infinitive for moving to a later or different action
- Verb patterns: verb + infinitive or verb + -ing? (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Verb-complement patterns, including verbs taking -ing, to-infinitive, or both with meaning differences