Differences between carry on and pass on

Carry on usually means to continue doing something, while pass on generally means to give something to someone else or to transmit information or a message to others.

Meanings and Definitions: carry on vs pass on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Carry on

1Continue.
CARRY ON quietly with your work until the substitute teacher arrives.
2Behave badly.
The children annoyed me by CARRYING ON all morning.

Pass on

1Give a message to someone.
I'll PASS the message ON when she gets here.
2Decline an invitation or opportunity.
I think I'll PASS ON dinner tonight- I'm not hungry.
3Die.
Her husband PASSED ON last year.

Usage Examples: carry on, pass on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

carry on

Example

Please carry on with your work while I step out for a moment.

Example

She carries on studying despite the noise outside.

pass on

Example

Please pass on the message to your colleagues.

Example

She always passes on important news to her friends.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Carry on

keep going

To continue doing something without stopping or giving up.

Example

Despite the obstacles, she decided to keep going and eventually achieved her goal.

press on

To continue doing something despite difficulties or opposition.

Example

Even though he faced criticism, he decided to press on with his project and proved his doubters wrong.

stick with

To continue doing something even when it becomes difficult or challenging.

Example

She decided to stick with her exercise routine and eventually saw significant improvements in her health.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Pass on

hand over

To give something to someone else, usually after holding or possessing it for a period of time.

Example

He decided to hand over the keys to his car to his younger brother, who needed it for work.

share with

To give or exchange information or resources with someone else.

Example

She decided to share her notes with her classmates to help them prepare for the upcoming exam.

relay to

To transmit or pass along information or a message to someone else.

Example

He asked his assistant to relay the message to his colleagues while he was out of town.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “carry”

Phrasal Verbs with “pass”

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Differences in carry on vs pass on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: carry on or pass on?

In daily conversation, people use carry on more often than pass on. This is because carry on is used for more daily tasks and routines such as working, studying, or traveling. Pass on is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about giving something to someone else or transmitting information. So, while both phrases are used, carry on is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of carry on and pass on

Carry on and pass on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of carry on and pass on

The tone of carry on and pass on can differ based on context. Carry on often carries a determined or enthusiastic tone when related to continuing an activity or task, while pass on typically has a helpful or informative tone, especially when referring to sharing information or passing something along to someone else.

carry on & pass on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Carry on

Synonyms

Antonyms

stop
cease
halt
discontinue
end
quit
terminate
give up

Pass on

Synonyms

Antonyms