Quick Definition
Carry On — To continue doing something; to behave in a silly or dramatic way.
Meanings of Carry On
| Meaning | Example Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| Continue | Carry on — I'll join you in a moment. | Continue what you are doing. |
| Behave badly/dramatically | Stop carrying on and sit down. | Stop behaving in an uncontrolled way. |
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Meaning in Context |
|---|---|
| Carry on — I'll join you in a moment. | Continue what you are doing. |
| Stop carrying on and sit down. | Stop behaving in an uncontrolled way. |
| "Don't worry -- I'll carry on it." | Using it in a short reassurance. |
| She decided to carry on the whole situation. | Applying the phrasal verb in context. |
Grammar Notes
Separability & Transitivity
Type: inseparable | Transitivity: intransitive
Intransitive and inseparable. Can be followed by a gerund: carry on working. The particle 'on' cannot be separated from 'carry'.
How to Use Carry On
Informal. The 'continue' sense is used widely. The 'behave dramatically' sense is more colloquial, often heard from British speakers.
| Register | Example / Notes |
|---|---|
| Informal / Spoken | Carry on — I'll join you in a moment. |
| Neutral / Written | Consider context; single-word synonyms may suit formal writing. |
Similar Phrasal Verbs
Practise Carry On
Practice English Phrasal Verbs
Use these exercises to master phrasal verbs in context:
Frequently Asked Questions about Carry On
What does "Carry On" mean?
"Carry On" means: To continue doing something; to behave in a silly or dramatic way. It is a intransitive phrasal verb rated CEFR B1.
Is "Carry On" separable or inseparable?
"Carry On" is inseparable. Intransitive and inseparable. Can be followed by a gerund: carry on working. The particle 'on' cannot be separated from 'carry'.
How do I use "Carry On" in a sentence?
Carry on — I'll join you in a moment. -- in this example, 'Carry On' means continue what you are doing.
What is the register of "Carry On"?
Informal. The 'continue' sense is used widely. The 'behave dramatically' sense is more colloquial, often heard from British speakers.
What CEFR level is "Carry On"?
"Carry On" is typically taught at CEFR B1 — Intermediate level. It appears frequently in informal contexts.
What is the difference between "Carry On" and similar phrasal verbs?
"Carry On" specifically means: To continue doing something; to behave in a silly or dramatic way. Compare with similar verbs in the 'Similar Phrasal Verbs' section below for nuanced differences.
Can "Carry On" be used formally?
Informal. The 'continue' sense is used widely. The 'behave dramatically' sense is more colloquial, often heard from British speakers. When writing formally, consider whether a single-word synonym might be more appropriate for the context.
Does "Carry On" take an object?
"Carry On" is intransitive. Intransitive and inseparable. Can be followed by a gerund: carry on working. The particle 'on' cannot be separated from 'carry'.
How can I practise "Carry On"?
Use LexFizz's Find the Match and Flip Tiles exercises to practise 'Carry On' in context. Seeing it in multiple sentences helps the meaning stick.
Is "Carry On" used in British or American English?
"Carry On" is used in both British and American English, though register and frequency may vary. Informal. The 'continue' sense is used widely. The 'behave dramatically' sense is more colloquial, often heard from British speakers.