What Does โCarry sth onโ Mean?
โCarry sth onโ means to continue doing something, especially an activity or behavior. It is often used to describe the act of keeping something going despite difficulties.
Introduction
The phrase โcarry sth onโ is a common phrasal verb in English that means to continue or keep doing an action or behavior. Understanding the carry sth on meaning helps learners use it naturally in conversations and writing. It can refer to continuing a task, a conversation, or even an emotional behavior. For example, you might carry on working late or carry on a conversation after a break. This phrasal verb is useful because it expresses the idea of persistence and continuation in a simple way. Knowing how to use โcarry sth onโ correctly improves your fluency and helps you sound more natural when speaking English.
Quick Info Box
- Phrasal verb: carry sth on (carry something on)
- Type: transitive
- Level: B1 (Intermediate)
- Short meaning: to continue doing something
Structure (Grammar Rules)
โCarry sth onโ is a separable phrasal verb, which means you can place the object (something) between the verb and the particle or after the particle.
- carry + something + on (e.g., carry the conversation on)
- carry on + something (e.g., carry on the conversation)
Both forms are correct, but putting the object between the verb and particle is more common in spoken English.
How to Use โCarry sth onโ?
Use โcarry sth onโ when you want to express that an action or behavior is continuing. It can be used in formal and informal contexts. It often relates to activities like work, conversations, habits, or traditions. Remember to include an object (something) to show what is continuing.
Example: โShe decided to carry the project on despite the challenges.โ
Examples
- He carried the conversation on even though the topic was difficult.
- They carried the tradition on for many generations.
- We need to carry the investigation on until we find the truth.
- She carried the work on late into the night.
- Despite the noise, he carried his speech on confidently.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: She carry on the meeting tomorrow.
- Correct: She will carry the meeting on tomorrow.
- Incorrect: They carried on the plan without any changes. (missing object after โcarryโ)
- Correct: They carried the plan on without any changes.
Remember, โcarry sth onโ needs a direct object (something) to be correct.
Differences / Synonyms
Similar phrasal verbs include carry on (without an object) and keep on.
- Carry on (no object): means to continue doing something. Example: โCarry on with your work.โ
- Carry sth on: specifically means to continue a particular thing or action. Example: โCarry the work on.โ
- Keep on: also means to continue but is more informal. Example: โKeep on studying.โ
The key difference is that โcarry sth onโ requires an object, while โcarry onโ can stand alone.
Common Collocations
- carry the conversation on
- carry the work on
- carry the tradition on
- carry the investigation on
- carry the project on
Related Phrasal Verbs
Here are related phrasal verbs of carry sth on:
Real-life Dialogue
Anna: Are you going to stop working on the report now?
Ben: No, I will carry the report on until itโs finished.
Anna: Thatโs great! I know itโs a lot of work.
Ben: Yes, but I want to carry this project on to the end.
Practice
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of โcarry sth onโ:
- Despite the interruption, she decided to ________ the meeting ________.
- We must ________ the investigation ________ until we have all the facts.
- They will ________ the tradition ________ every year.
FAQs
- Q: Can I use โcarry onโ without an object?
A: Yes, โcarry onโ without an object means to continue doing something in general. - Q: Is โcarry sth onโ formal or informal?
A: It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: What is the difference between โcarry onโ and โcarry sth onโ?
A: โCarry onโ is intransitive and does not need an object, while โcarry sth onโ is transitive and requires an object. - Q: Can I say โcarry on the workโ?
A: Yes, โcarry on the workโ is correct and means to continue the work. - Q: Is โcarry sth onโ separable?
A: Yes, you can separate the verb and particle with the object.
