English Phrasal Verb: To Carry On

To continue
To behave badly

To Carry On

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Example Sentences using the English Phrasal Verb Carry On

1. I had to leave to go to work, so they carried on partying without me.
2. My nephew has become really naughty and won’t stop carrying on for his parents.
3. Please don’t carry on watching the movie while I am out. I’m really enjoying it.
4. I hate it when my kids carry on, it is so embarrassing.
5. Carry on with your work, you’re nearly finished.

The English phrasal verb, to carry on, can be transitive or intransitive.

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English Phrasal Verbs

Phrasal verbs can be extremely tricky for learners of English. The reason for this is twofold: there are lots of them and their meaning is not always obvious from the words that make them up. To make things even more difficult, phrasal verbs can have multiple meanings, adding to the headache for learners.

A phrasal verb is made up of a main verb with an attached preposition or adverb. An example of a phrasal verb is run into. Where run is the main verb and into is the preposition. Phrasal verbs can be separated into two groups, intransitive and transitive verbs. Intransitive phrasal verbs do not have a direct object: go out, for example, "I want to go out tonight". Transitive phrasal verbs have a direct object and they can be split up into two further categories: separable and inseparable. With separable transitive phrasal verbs, the verb and the preposition can be split up. For example, both “turn off the radio” and “turn the radio off” are both correct. Inseparable phrasal verbs cannot be split up. For example, “I’ll look after you” is correct, but “I’ll look you after” is not.

Using Storyboard That you can prepare a visual dictionary of phrasal verbs quickly and easily. Even better than that, have your students create their own phrasal verb visual definitions.

Frequently Asked Questions about English Phrasal Verb: To Carry On

What does 'carry on' mean in English?

Carry on means to continue doing something or to persist, especially after an interruption or when facing difficulties.

How is 'carry on' used in everyday conversation?

Carry on is often used to encourage someone to keep going, such as in the phrase, "Carry on with your work" or "Please carry on."

What are some examples of 'carry on' in sentences?

For example: "Despite the rain, the students carried on with their outdoor class." or "She told him to carry on after the interruption."

Is 'carry on' a phrasal verb?

Yes, carry on is a phrasal verb in English, formed by combining the verb 'carry' with the particle 'on.' It means to continue or persist.

Can 'carry on' have different meanings depending on context?

Yes, while 'carry on' usually means to continue, in some contexts it can also mean to behave excitedly or make a fuss, as in "The children were carrying on during the assembly."