Phrasal verb
stay on
Meanings
To continue working or taking part instead of stopping or leaving.
To remain in a place for longer than planned.
Definition
To continue doing something or remain in a place for longer than expected or planned.
“Stay on” means to keep doing a job, task, or activity instead of stopping or leaving. It can also mean to remain in a place for an additional period of time. People often use it when plans change and someone continues longer than originally intended.
Examples
- I can stay on after my shift to help clean up.
- Can you stay on for another ten minutes while I finish this call?
- She decided to stay on with the project until the final presentation.
- They stayed on at the café to talk after everyone else left.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse “stay on” (continue/remain longer) with “stay up” (not go to bed) and use the wrong one.
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.