Phrasal verb
carry over
To carry over means to continue or be transferred from one time, situation, or place to another.
Meanings
to continue from one time or situation into another
to transfer a remaining amount to the next period or stage
Definition
If something carries over, it continues into a later period or affects a new situation. It can describe feelings, habits, or effects that remain after circumstances change. It can also mean that a remaining amount is transferred to the next day, week, month, or stage.
Examples
- The tension from the meeting carried over into dinner.
- I hope my excitement carries over to the new project tomorrow.
- Her frustration carried over after the long commute.
- If we don’t use all the paint today, it will carry over to next weekend.
Common mistake
Learners often say "carry on" instead of "carry over" when they mean something continues into a new time or situation.
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.