Phrasal verb
be not on
Meanings
To not be happening or scheduled to happen.
To not be working, powered, or active (for a device, system, or service).
To be unacceptable or unfair (informal).
Definition
To be not on means something is not happening, not active, or not operating as expected.
Be not on is used to say that an event or activity is not happening, or that something such as a device or service is not operating. It can also mean that a plan, behavior, or situation is not acceptable. It is more common in British and informal English.
Examples
- I checked the website again, but the sale is not on today.
- Your microphone is not on, so we can’t hear you in the meeting.
- He said the joke was not on and asked them to stop.
- The train is not on this weekend because of maintenance work.
- They realized the air conditioning was not on when the room stayed warm.
Common mistake
Learners often use "is not on" when they mean "is not in" or "is not available," so make sure you mean "not happening/operating" or "not acceptable."
More phrasal verbs
- go on To go on means to continue or keep happening.
- carry out To carry out something means to do it or complete it, especially a plan, task, or instruction.
- set up To set up means to arrange or prepare something so it is ready to use or happen.
- pick up “Pick up” most commonly means to collect someone or something from a place, usually by going there.
- go back To go back means to return to a place, time, or earlier situation.