What are the definitions of “ramble on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Talk at length without getting to the point.
Quit RAMBLING ON- I'm tired of listening to you.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “ramble on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb ramble on is to talk for a long time without getting to the main point or without a clear purpose. It often implies that the speaker is talking too much and may be boring or annoying the listener.
What are the different verb forms of “ramble on”?
| Root Verb | ramble on |
| Third Person Singular Present | rambles on |
| Present Participle | rambling on |
| Simple Past | rambled on |
| Past Participle | rambled on |
Example
He always rambles on about his hobbies, even when no one is interested.
Example
She rambles on about her day, making it difficult to follow the conversation.
Example
He is rambling on about his vacation, and everyone is getting bored.
Example
Yesterday, she rambled on about her problems for hours.
Example
He had rambled on for so long that everyone stopped listening.
What kind of phrasal verb is “ramble 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
“ramble 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
She rambled on about her day.
Example
He rambled on for hours.
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
“ramble 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 rambled on about her day.
Example
He rambled on for hours.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “ramble on”?
Good things to know
Does “ramble on” have an informal or formal tone?
Ramble on is an informal phrasal verb that is commonly used in everyday conversations. It is not typically used in formal writing or professional settings.
