Phrasal verb
move on
Meanings
to stop dwelling on something and continue with your life
to change to the next topic, task, or item in a sequence
to leave a place and go elsewhere, especially after being asked
Definition
To move on means to leave a situation behind and continue with your life or the next activity.
When you move on, you stop focusing on something from the past and continue with your life. It can also mean changing to the next topic, task, or stage in a process. The phrase is common in everyday speech and often suggests progress or acceptance.
Examples
- I needed a few days, but I finally moved on.
- After we finish this question, we’ll move on to the next one.
- He apologized, and she chose to move on.
- The staff asked us to move on because the entrance had to stay clear.
Common mistake
Learners often say "move on to" when they mean leaving something behind; use "move on from" for the thing you are leaving behind.
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.