Carry on

USAGE SUMMARY

"Carry on" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used as a phrasal verb or an idiom to mean to continue or resume an action or activity. Example: "I know it's been a tough day, but we need to carry on with our work." In this example, "carry on" is used to urge someone to continue their work despite the challenges they have faced.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Carry on.

The New York Times

Will I carry on?

Independent

We will carry on".

Independent

So carry on spending.

The Economist

I just carry on".

The New York Times

"Yes, carry on," she said.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

Everyone brings one carry-on.

The New York Times - Travel

"Not in carry-on".

The New Yorker

Why carry-on?

Los Angeles Times

This is carry-on Shakespeare.

Los Angeles Times

Pack the carry-on.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Carry on" to encourage continuation in the face of adversity or challenges, as it often implies resilience and determination.

Common error

Avoid using "Carry on" when you mean to "carry out" a task. "Carry on" means to continue, while "carry out" means to perform or complete.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "Carry on" is that of a phrasal verb. It's used to indicate the continuation of an action or activity. Ludwig confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Carry on" functions primarily as a phrasal verb signifying continuation or persistence. It's considered grammatically correct and boasts a neutral register, making it suitable for various contexts, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While "carry on" is very common in News & Media and Wiki, it is used less in formal or scientific contexts. It's crucial to differentiate "carry on" from ""carry out"", which means to perform or execute. Ludwig’s examples demonstrate its widespread use in encouraging resilience and denoting ongoing activities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Continue

Direct synonym emphasizing the unbroken sequence of an action.

Proceed

Formal term for moving forward with a task or activity.

Keep going

Encouraging phrase stressing perseverance.

Press on

Implies overcoming obstacles to continue.

Go ahead

Suggests permission or encouragement to start or continue.

Persevere

Formal term indicating sustained effort despite difficulties.

Maintain

Focuses on keeping something in its current state or condition.

Keep up

Stresses maintaining pace or effort.

Uphold

Implies supporting or defending something while continuing.

Sustain

Emphasizes long-term continuation or support.

FAQs

How can I use "Carry on" in a sentence?

You can use "Carry on" to mean continue or proceed, as in, "Despite the setbacks, we must carry on with the project." It can also mean to behave badly, as in, "I wish you wouldn't carry on like that in public!"

What are some alternatives to "Carry on"?

Alternatives include "continue", "proceed", or "keep going", depending on the context.

Is "Carry on" formal or informal?

"Carry on" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's generally perceived as slightly more informal than "continue" or "proceed".

What's the difference between "Carry on" and "carry out"?

"Carry on" means to continue, while "carry out" means to perform or execute something. For example, you "carry on" a tradition, but you "carry out" a plan.