What are the definitions of “leave on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Not turn off.
LEAVE the TV ON; I want to hear the football results.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “leave on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb leave on is to not turn off a device or appliance, such as a television, radio, or light. It means to let something continue to operate or function.
What are the different verb forms of “leave on”?
| Root Verb | leave on |
| Third Person Singular Present | leaves on |
| Present Participle | leaving on |
| Simple Past | left on |
| Past Participle | left on |
Example
Please leave the light on in the hallway.
Example
She always leaves the radio on when she goes out.
Example
He is leaving the computer on to finish the download.
Example
Yesterday, they left the air conditioner on all day.
Example
The television was left on all night.
What kind of phrasal verb is “leave 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.)
Transitive verb
“leave on” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She left the light on in the living room.
Example
He left the TV on for background noise.
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
“leave 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
She left the light on in the living room.
Example
He left the TV on for background noise.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “leave on”?
Good things to know
Does “leave on” have an informal or formal tone?
Leave 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, depending on the specific context.
What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “leave on”?
Synonyms
- keep on
- maintain on
- continue running
- let run
Antonyms for {keyword}
- stop
- discontinue
- turn off
- switch off
- shut off
