What are the definitions of “wave on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Make a hand signal to tell someone to keep moving.
The accident was bad, but the police WAVED us ON.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wave on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wave on is to make a hand signal to tell someone to keep moving or continue. This is often used when directing traffic or guiding someone in a specific direction.
What are the different verb forms of “wave on”?
| Root Verb | wave on |
| Third Person Singular Present | waves on |
| Present Participle | waving on |
| Simple Past | waved on |
| Past Participle | waved on |
Example
The traffic officer waved on the cars after the accident.
Example
She waves on the pedestrians to cross the street.
Example
He is waving on the runners as they approach the finish line.
Example
Yesterday, the teacher waved on the students to enter the classroom.
Example
The cars were waved on by the traffic officer after the road was cleared.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wave 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
“wave 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
The police officer waved the cars on after the accident.
Example
She waved on the pedestrians to cross the street.
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
“wave 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 police officer waved the cars on after the accident.
Example
She waved on the pedestrians to cross the street.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wave on”?
Good things to know
Does “wave on” have an informal or formal tone?
Wave on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal situations. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, such as when a police officer or traffic controller is directing traffic.
