What are the definitions of “move on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Change the subject or your job.
She MOVED ON to another company where the salary was considerably better.
- 2Make people move from a place.
The police MOVED the crowd ON because they were holding up the traffic.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “move on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb move on is to change or progress from one situation, activity, or stage to another. It can refer to changing the subject in a conversation, leaving a job for a new one, or moving forward emotionally after a difficult experience.
What are the different verb forms of “move on”?
| Root Verb | move on |
| Third Person Singular Present | moves on |
| Present Participle | moving on |
| Simple Past | moved on |
| Past Participle | moved on |
Example
It's time to move on from this topic and discuss something else.
Example
She moves on quickly after a breakup.
Example
He is moving on to a new job next month.
Example
They moved on from the argument and became friends again.
Example
We have moved on from that issue and are focusing on the future.
What kind of phrasal verb is “move 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
“move 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
After the meeting, we moved on to lunch.
Example
She moved on from her previous job.
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
“move 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
After the meeting, we moved on to lunch.
Example
She moved on from her previous job.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “move on”?
Good things to know
Does “move on” have an informal or formal tone?
Move 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.
