What are the definitions of “carry on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Continue.
CARRY ON quietly with your work until the substitute teacher arrives.
- 2Behave badly.
The children annoyed me by CARRYING ON all morning.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “carry on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb carry on is to continue doing something. It is often used to encourage someone to keep going or to maintain their current actions.
What are the different verb forms of “carry on”?
| Root Verb | carry on |
| Third Person Singular Present | carries on |
| Present Participle | carrying on |
| Simple Past | carried on |
| Past Participle | carried on |
Example
Please carry on with your work while I step out for a moment.
Example
She carries on studying despite the noise outside.
Example
He is carrying on with his project even though it's late.
Example
They carried on walking even after it started raining.
Example
The meeting carried on for hours before they reached a decision.
What kind of phrasal verb is “carry on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“carry on” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
The party carried on late into the night.
Example
Despite the challenges, they carried on with their work.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“carry on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
The party carried on late into the night.
Example
Despite the challenges, they carried on with their work.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “carry on”?
To engage in a conversation or continue talking.
Example
It was difficult to carry on a conversation with all the noise.
Good things to know
Does “carry on” have an informal or formal tone?
Carry on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, depending on the context.
