35 Other Ways to Say “Please Proceed” (With Examples)

In many conversations, whether in a business meeting or while chatting with a friend, finding 35 other ways to say “Please proceed” without sounding too formal or repetitive can be a real challenge. As someone who often finds myself guiding teams or supporting colleagues, I’ve learned how helpful it is to have a variety of alternatives ready that feel more natural.

Using thoughtful phrases adds warmth, politeness, or even a bit of casualness, depending on the situation. These shifts not only keep the dialogue engaging but also show professionalism and make your tone more approachable. The way we express ourselves – especially when we want someone to continue what they’re doing – shouldn’t feel robotic. It should carry real sentiment and clarity.

From my experience offering guidance during presentations or even just encouraging a colleague to speak up, simply saying “go on” or “feel free to continue” can make a big difference. These subtle shifts can help reduce tension, make things flow better, and invite input in a way that’s both respectful and effective. It’s all about knowing when to adjust the tone.

What Does Please Proceed Mean?

“Please proceed” is a polite and formal way to give someone permission to continue what they are doing or saying. It’s typically used when you want to encourage a person to go on with a task, explain something further, or continue in a conversation. It suggests a level of respect and permission for the person to move forward.

When to Use Please Proceed

You might use “Please proceed” when you’re in a professional, formal, or respectful environment where you need to let someone know they should continue without interruptions. It’s perfect for meetings, interviews, presentations, or any setting where you want to give someone space to continue speaking or working.

Is It Professional/Polite to Say Please Proceed?

Yes, please proceed is often considered very polite and professional. It’s a respectful way to encourage someone to continue without interrupting them. However, in casual settings or when talking to people you know well, it may come across as too formal. In those situations, a more relaxed alternative might feel more natural.

Pros or Cons

Pros:

• It’s formal and polite.
• It shows respect and permits someone to continue.
• It works well in business, presentations, and interviews.

Cons:

• It can sound overly formal in casual settings.
• Repeating it too much might make it feel robotic or stiff.  

Please proceed synonyms:

• Go ahead.
• Please continue.
• Feel free to carry on.
• You may continue.
• Go right ahead.
• Please carry on.
• By all means, continue.
• Please feel free to continue.
• Go on.
• Keep going.
• Please go ahead.
• Take it away.
• Please feel free to carry on.
• Continue, please.
• Feel free to go on.
• Please proceed when you’re ready.
• Let’s keep going.
• Feel free to proceed.
• Let me know when you’re ready to continue.
• Please don’t hesitate to continue.
• Let’s move on.
• You’re good to go.
• I’m listening, go ahead.
• Continue, I’m all ears.
• Let’s hear more. Ove forward.
• You’re welcome to continue.
• Please go ahead when ready.
• Please carry on at your own pace.
• Whenever you’re ready, go ahead.
• Please proceed as you see fit.
• I’m happy to hear more.
• Please don’t stop.
• Keep up the great work.
• Let’s keep it moving.
• Feel free to 

Go ahead.

Meaning:
A casual and common way to permit someone to continue.

Explanation:
It’s simple, clear, and friendly, making it ideal for both formal and informal situations.

Example:
In a meeting, allow someone to continue presenting.

Best Use:
In both professional and informal settings, when you want to sound approachable.

Worst Use:
When addressing someone in a very formal or serious context.

Tone:
Casual, friendly, inviting.

Please continue.

Meaning:
A direct, polite request for someone to go on.

Explanation:
It’s essentially the same as Please proceed, but a little more straightforward.

Example:
Encouraging someone to keep talking in a presentation or conversation.

Best Use:
General use, in both formal and informal situations.

Worst Use:
None, it works in almost every situation.

Tone:
Polite, encouraging.

Feel free to carry on.

Meaning:
A friendly way to permit it to continue.

Explanation:
It adds a sense of ease, making the person feel more comfortable continuing.

Example:
During a casual meeting or conversation where you want to sound approachable.

Best Use:
Informal, friendly settings.

Worst Use:
Formal meetings or professional discussions where brevity is preferred.

Tone:
Casual, supportive.

You may continue.

Meaning:
A polite, formal way of allowing someone to keep going.

Explanation:
Slightly more formal than Please continue but still respectful and clear.

Example:
In a formal presentation or interview, giving the speaker the go-ahead.

Best Use:
Professional settings where you want to maintain politeness.

Worst Use:
Casual conversations.

Tone:
Formal, respectful.

Go right ahead.

Meaning:
A relaxed, informal way to encourage someone to continue.

Explanation:
It’s a warm and welcoming way of offering permission.

Example:
In a conversation with friends or colleagues, offer them space to speak.

Best Use:
Informal, everyday situations.

Worst Use:
Professional settings that require formality.

Tone:
Friendly, encouraging.

Please carry on.

Meaning:
Another polite way to encourage continuation, similar to Please continue.

Explanation:
Slightly more formal than Go ahead but still gentle.

Example:
In a meeting, ask someone to continue their point after they’ve paused.

Best Use:
Formal settings or business discussions.

Worst Use:
Casual situations with friends or family.

Tone:
Polite, professional.

By all means, continue.

Meaning:
A slightly more enthusiastic way to permit it to continue.

Explanation:
This expression suggests encouragement and eagerness for the person to keep going.

Example:
Giving someone the green light to elaborate on an important topic.

Best Use:
Encouraging someone to share more in a conversation or presentation.

Worst Use:
Very formal settings.

Tone:
Enthusiastic, supportive.

Please feel free to continue.

Meaning:
A friendly, open invitation to continue what they’re doing.

Explanation:
It suggests that the person has the freedom to continue without hesitation.

Example:
During a meeting, when you want to invite more input from others.

Best Use:
Professional settings, especially when you want to create a comfortable space for sharing.

Worst Use:
Casual interactions.

Tone:
Polite, encouraging.

Go on.

Meaning:
A simple and casual way to encourage someone to continue.

Explanation:
It’s often used in conversations, especially when you want to hear more.

Example:
In a conversation where someone is telling a story or explaining something.

Best Use:
Casual, friendly discussions.

Worst Use:
Professional settings where a more formal tone is needed.

Tone:
Casual, engaged.

Keep going.

Meaning:
A more enthusiastic way to say continue.

Explanation:
It’s often used to motivate someone or show that you’re interested in what they’re saying.

Example:
Encouraging someone who’s explaining a difficult concept or sharing an exciting story.

Best Use:
Casual and motivational settings.

Worst Use:
Very formal or structured environments.

Tone:
Supportive, energetic.

Please go ahead.

Meaning:
A direct and polite way to allow someone to continue.

Explanation:
It’s commonly used in both professional and casual contexts, with a slight preference for formal settings.

Example:
In a formal meeting, give someone permission to present their thoughts.

Best Use:
Professional and semi-formal contexts.

Worst Use:
Casual, informal conversations.

Tone:
Polite, clear.

Take it away.

Meaning:
A more casual way of giving someone permission to continue, often used when you’re encouraging them to take the lead.

Explanation:
This is particularly useful when you’re handing over control of a conversation or presentation.

Example:
Passing the conversation to a colleague in a meeting or at a casual gathering.

Best Use:
Informal, friendly situations.

Worst Use:
Formal business presentations.

Tone:
Casual, playful.

Please feel free to carry on.

Meaning:
A gentle, polite invitation for someone to continue.

Explanation:
Similar to Please continue, but with a slightly warmer tone.

Example:
Asking a speaker to go on with their talk during a presentation.

Best Use:
Semi-formal, encouraging situations.

Worst Use:
Highly formal or stern settings.

Tone:
Polite, warm.

Continue, please.

Meaning:
A polite and straightforward way of asking someone to proceed.

Explanation:
A shorter, more direct version of Please continue.

Example:
In a formal meeting, direct the speaker to continue their presentation.

Best Use:
Formal business settings.

Worst Use:
Informal or overly friendly contexts.

Tone:
Direct, respectful.

Feel free to go on.

Meaning:
An open and supportive invitation to continue.

Explanation:
It emphasizes freedom and comfort, giving the speaker space to continue without pressure.

Example:
Encourage a colleague to continue explaining their thoughts during a meeting.

Best Use:
Friendly, professional settings.

Worst Use:
Very formal settings where a more structured tone is required.

Tone:
Encouraging, relaxed.

Please proceed when you’re ready.

Meaning:
A polite and patient way to tell someone they can continue when they’re prepared.

Explanation:
This expression adds a sense of consideration for the speaker’s pace.

Example:
During a formal presentation or meeting when you want the speaker to take their time.

Best Use:
Professional settings, especially when you want to be accommodating.

Worst Use:
Casual or informal settings.

Tone:
Respectful, patient.

Let’s keep going.

Meaning:
A motivational and casual way of encouraging continuation.

Explanation:
It’s used to keep the momentum going in a conversation or presentation.

Example:
Leading a group discussion and encouraging others to continue participating.

Best Use:
Casual meetings, brainstorming sessions, or group activities.

Worst Use:
In formal settings or situations where seriousness is expected.

Tone:
Energetic, motivating.

Feel free to move forward.

Meaning:
A courteous way to invite someone to continue with their task or conversation.

Explanation:
It subtly encourages progress while keeping the tone relaxed and open.

Example:
In a business meeting, allow someone to proceed with their report.

Best Use:
Professional environments where a calm, respectful tone.

Worst Use:
Informal conversations or casual settings.

Tone:
Polite, encouraging.

You’re welcome to continue.

Meaning:
A polite way of permitting someone to proceed.

Explanation:
This expression conveys openness and warmth, signaling that the person has the freedom to continue.

Example:
Allowing a speaker to continue elaborating on their idea in a meeting or conversation.

Best Use:
Professional or semi-formal situations where the tone needs to be respectful yet friendly.

Worst Use:
Very casual conversations.

Tone:
Respectful, open.

Please go ahead when ready.

Meaning:
A polite way of inviting someone to continue when they are prepared.

Explanation:
This adds a layer of respect for the person’s timing and readiness to continue.

Example:
Allowing someone to speak up when they’re ready, particularly in a group setting.

Best Use:
Professional settings, especially when allowing someone the space to gather their thoughts.

Worst Use:
Fast-paced environments where brevity is needed.

Tone:
Courteous, patient.

Please carry on at your own pace.

Meaning:
Encouraging someone to continue without rushing them, emphasizing comfort.

Explanation:
It conveys support and understanding, giving the person the freedom to continue at their own speed.

Example:
In a classroom or training setting, allowing a student or trainee to continue without pressure.

Best Use:
Relaxed, patient settings where you want to make someone feel comfortable.

Worst Use:
In situations that require immediate action or urgency.

Tone:
Supportive, understanding.

Whenever you’re ready, go ahead.

Meaning:
A gentle way of letting someone know they can proceed when they feel ready.

Explanation:
It balances patience with permission, making it ideal for more thoughtful or slower-paced interactions.

Example:
During a presentation, give the speaker space to continue after a break.

Best Use:
Professional or semi-formal settings where a considerate tone is needed.

Worst Use:
Informal conversations where a quicker response is expected.

Tone:
Polite, considerate.

Please proceed as you see fit.

Meaning:
A slightly more formal and empowering way to give someone the go-ahead to continue.

Explanation:
It’s less directive and gives the person the sense that they have control over how they continue.

Example:
In a meeting, giving a colleague the freedom to proceed with their project as they choose.

Best Use:
Professional or leadership contexts where empowerment is key.

Worst Use:
Casual situations where something simpler would be better.

Tone:
Formal, empowering.

I’m happy to hear more.

Meaning:
A warm, conversational way to invite someone to continue sharing.

Explanation:
This phrase encourages the speaker to show genuine interest in what they’re saying.

Example:
In a one-on-one conversation or during an informal discussion.

Best Use:
Personal interactions, especially when you want to show engagement.

Worst Use:
Formal settings that require more structured language.

Tone:
Friendly, interested.

Please don’t stop.

Meaning:
A supportive and encouraging way to ensure someone feels comfortable continuing.
Explanation: It implies that you are fully engaged and want them to keep going.

Example:
Encouraging a colleague to continue during a challenging project or presentation.

Best Use:
Informal or supportive settings, especially when someone may feel hesitant.

Worst Use:
In highly formal or professional situations.

Tone:
Encouraging, enthusiastic.

Keep up the great work.

Meaning:
A motivational way to encourage someone to continue what they’re doing.

Explanation:
It’s both affirming and inspiring, making the person feel confident in their efforts.

Example:
During a presentation or task, give positive reinforcement.

Best Use:
Motivating and supportive settings, especially when encouragement is needed.

Worst Use:
In more formal or serious discussions.

Tone:
Positive, motivational.

Let’s keep it moving.

Meaning:
A casual and energetic way to encourage continuation, often used in group settings.

Explanation:
It emphasizes progress and keeping momentum, perfect for collaborative efforts.

Example:
In team meetings or group discussions, helping everyone stay on track.

Best Use:
Casual group settings or brainstorming sessions.

Worst Use:
Very formal or structured environments.

Tone:
Energetic, motivating.

Feel free to proceed.

Meaning:
A polite and gentle way to permit someone to move forward.

Explanation:
It’s formal enough to be respectful but still carries an open tone.

Example:
Offering someone the chance to continue during a formal conversation or presentation.

Best Use:
Professional or respectful settings.

Worst Use:
Casual, informal settings.

Tone:
Polite, accommodating.

Let me know when you’re ready to continue.

Meaning:
A considerate way to give someone time to prepare before they move forward.

Explanation:
It allows the person to proceed at their own pace, making them feel supported.

Example:
During a discussion where someone may need time to gather their thoughts.

Best Use:
Meetings or settings where respect for timing and preparation is important.

Worst Use:
In fast-paced or urgent situations.

Tone:
Respectful, patient.

Please don’t hesitate to continue.

Meaning:
A polite invitation to encourage someone to proceed without any reluctance.

Explanation:
This phrase reassures the person that they’re welcome to continue without feeling uncomfortable.

Example:
In a formal conversation or discussion where the person may need reassurance to keep speaking.

Best Use:
Professional or polite settings where you want to be encouraging.

Worst Use:
Casual settings, where this might feel overly formal.

Tone:
Encouraging, polite.

Let’s move on.

Meaning:
A quick and direct way to indicate it’s time to proceed.

Explanation:
This phrase suggests a shift in focus, ideal when transitioning to the next topic or phase.

Example:
During a presentation or meeting where you need to transition from one point to the next.

Best Use:
Business or professional settings, when you need to keep things moving forward.

Worst Use:
Casual or informal conversations where a softer tone is preferred.

Tone:
Direct, professional.

You’re good to go.

Meaning:
A casual and friendly way of telling someone they can proceed.

Explanation:
It conveys confidence and assurance that the person can move forward with their task.

Example:
In an informal setting where you want to express readiness or approval for someone to continue.

Best Use:
Informal settings, especially when you want to encourage the person.

Worst Use:
Very formal or serious situations.

Tone:
Casual, reassuring.

I’m listening, go ahead.

Meaning:
A conversational and engaging way to show you’re ready for someone to continue speaking.

Explanation:
It’s supportive and indicates that you’re giving your full attention to what the other person has to say.

Example:
During a conversation or discussion, show that you’re actively engaged.

Best Use:
Informal or semi-formal conversations.

Worst Use:
Formal settings that require more structure.

Tone:
Engaged, conversational.

Continue, I’m all ears.

Meaning:
A more playful and enthusiastic way to encourage someone to continue.

Explanation:
It suggests that you’re interested and eager to hear more.

Example:
In a casual conversation where someone is explaining something interesting.

Best Use:
Informal settings where you want to show excitement.

Worst Use:
Formal, professional discussions.

Tone:
Friendly, enthusiastic.

Let’s hear more.

Meaning:
A direct yet friendly way to invite someone to continue sharing.

Explanation:
It’s engaging and implies a genuine interest in what the person has to say.

Example:
During a conversation where someone is telling an interesting story or idea.

Best Use:
Informal or semi-formal settings, when you want to show enthusiasm.

Worst Use:
Highly formal settings.

Tone:
Engaged, interested.

Conclusion

Saying Please proceed doesn’t have to be the only way to express encouragement or permission. With these 35 alternatives, you have a broad range of options to use depending on the formality, context, and relationship you have with the other person. Whether you’re in a professional setting or simply having a friendly chat, these phrases offer a more thoughtful, varied approach. The key is to choose the phrase that best fits the tone of the situation and makes the other person feel comfortable, respected, and valued.