What are the definitions of “drag on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Be unnecessarily long.
The meeting DRAGGED ON for two and a half hours.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “drag on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb drag on is to continue for a longer time than necessary or desired. It is often used to describe events, situations, or conversations that take too long or become boring.
What are the different verb forms of “drag on”?
| Root Verb | drag on |
| Third Person Singular Present | drags on |
| Present Participle | dragging on |
| Simple Past | dragged on |
| Past Participle | dragged on |
Example
The meeting dragged on for hours.
Example
The lecture drags on and everyone starts to lose interest.
Example
The construction project is dragging on longer than expected.
Example
The party dragged on until the early hours of the morning.
Example
The negotiations dragged on for weeks before an agreement was reached.
What kind of phrasal verb is “drag 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
“drag 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 meeting dragged on for hours.
Example
The conversation dragged on without any resolution.
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
“drag 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 meeting dragged on for hours.
Example
The conversation dragged on without any resolution.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “drag on”?
Good things to know
Does “drag on” have an informal or formal tone?
Drag on 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.
