On the go means busy and active all the time: I've been on the go since breakfast. About actions, it means while moving or travelling: snacks for eating on the go. In British English, have something on the go means have it in progress: he has two paintings on the go.
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be on the go; do something on the go; have something on the go (UK)
- I've been on the go since breakfast and haven't sat down yet.
- She listens to saved interviews on the go between appointments.
- He has two painting projects on the go in his garage.
What changed
First versionOur guide was on go from sunrise until dinner.
RevisionOur guide was on the go from sunrise until dinner.
Go is usually a verb, and verbs don't take articles, so on go can look tidier. But here go works as a noun, and the phrase always has the: on the go. With the article back, the guide is busy from sunrise again.
On the way means travelling towards a place: on the way to work. On the go has no destination; you're just busy all day. In a hurry is about rushing: you can be on the go all day and never be late.
Your turn
Describe a busy person: She is always on ___ go.
Show the answer
the — The phrase always uses the definite article: on the go. It isn't used with a.
Describe someone's packed day and name two tasks that leave no time to sit down. Use on the go.
The festival volunteers were on the go all morning, moving chairs and helping visitors find their seats.
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