What are the definitions of “wind on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Forward a film or tape to a certain point.
He WOUND the video ON to show us the scene.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wind on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wind on is to move a film or tape forward to a specific point. It is often used when talking about old video or audio tapes, where you need to manually move the tape to reach a certain scene or part.
What are the different verb forms of “wind on”?
| Root Verb | wind on |
| Third Person Singular Present | winds on |
| Present Participle | winding on |
| Simple Past | wound on |
| Past Participle | wound on |
Example
I need to wind on the cassette tape to find my favorite song.
Example
She winds on the film to the next scene.
Example
He is winding on the tape to the part where they sing.
Example
Yesterday, she wound on the video to show us the funny scene.
Example
The tape was wound on to the beginning of the movie.
What kind of phrasal verb is “wind 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
“wind 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
He wound on the video to show us the scene.
Example
She wound the tape on to the next song.
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
“wind 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
He wound on the video to show us the scene.
Example
She wound the tape on to the next song.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wind on”?
Wind up
To finish or end something, or to tighten a spring inside a mechanical device.
Example
She wound up the meeting by summarizing the main points.
Good things to know
Does “wind on” have an informal or formal tone?
Wind on is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. However, with the advancement of technology, it is becoming less common as people now use digital media instead of tapes and films. In a formal setting, it might be more appropriate to use 'fast forward' when referring to digital media.
