What are the definitions of “carry over”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Continue past a certain point.
The meeting CARRIED OVER into the afternoon because there was so much to talk about.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “carry over”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb carry over is to continue past a certain point or extend beyond a specific time. It is often used when an event, task, or discussion takes longer than expected and continues into the next period.
What are the different verb forms of “carry over”?
| Root Verb | carry over |
| Third Person Singular Present | carries over |
| Present Participle | carrying over |
| Simple Past | carried over |
| Past Participle | carried over |
Example
The meeting carried over into the afternoon.
Example
The discussion carries over to the next day.
Example
The project is carrying over into the next month.
Example
The party carried over into the early hours of the morning.
Example
The work from last week has carried over to this week.
What kind of phrasal verb is “carry over”?
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 over” 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 meeting carried over into the afternoon.
Example
The conversation carried over to the next day.
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 over” 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 meeting carried over into the afternoon.
Example
The conversation carried over to the next day.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “carry over”?
Good things to know
Does “carry over” have an informal or formal tone?
Carry over is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal settings, such as business meetings or academic discussions.
