What Does “Carry sth on” Mean?
“Carry sth on” 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 “carry sth on” 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 “carry sth on” 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)
“Carry sth on” 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 “Carry sth on”?
Use “carry sth on” 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: “She decided to carry the project on despite the challenges.”
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 ‘carry’)
- Correct: They carried the plan on without any changes.
Remember, “carry sth on” 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: “Carry on with your work.”
- Carry sth on: specifically means to continue a particular thing or action. Example: “Carry the work on.”
- Keep on: also means to continue but is more informal. Example: “Keep on studying.”
The key difference is that “carry sth on” requires an object, while “carry on” 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 it’s finished.
Anna: That’s great! I know it’s 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 “carry sth on”:
- 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 “carry on” without an object?
A: Yes, “carry on” without an object means to continue doing something in general. - Q: Is “carry sth on” formal or informal?
A: It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. - Q: What is the difference between “carry on” and “carry sth on”?
A: “Carry on” is intransitive and does not need an object, while “carry sth on” is transitive and requires an object. - Q: Can I say “carry on the work”?
A: Yes, “carry on the work” is correct and means to continue the work. - Q: Is “carry sth on” separable?
A: Yes, you can separate the verb and particle with the object.
