Phrasal verb
carry on
Meanings
to continue doing something
to behave in an overexcited, noisy, or upset way
to have a secret romantic or sexual relationship (an affair)
Definition
“Carry on” most commonly means to continue doing something.
“Carry on” is a phrasal verb that usually means to continue an activity after a pause, problem, or interruption. It can also mean to behave in an overexcited, noisy, or upset way. In some contexts, it means to have an affair or flirt in a secretive way.
Examples
- We’ll take a short break and then carry on with the meeting.
- I was nervous at first, but I carried on and finished the presentation.
- They carried on arguing so loudly that the neighbors knocked on the door.
- She carried on as if nothing had happened after the interruption.
- He later admitted he had been carrying on with a coworker.
Common mistake
Learners often say “carry on to do” instead of the natural forms “carry on doing” or “carry on with something.”
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.