I carried on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I carried on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone continued with an action or activity despite challenges or interruptions. Example: "After the unexpected delay, I carried on with my presentation as planned."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I carried on regardless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I carried on with my treatment.

The Guardian

I carried on with my work.

The New York Times

So I carried on doing it".

The Guardian - Books

So I carried on doing my thing elsewhere.

The New York Times - Arts

"For the next forty-eight hours, I carried on with life much as normal," he said.

The New Yorker

Undaunted, I carried on and eventually The Side became Stormy Monday, my first feature film.

The Guardian - Film

I carried on seeing my key worker, though less often, when I went to university.

The Guardian

I felt a bit unsettled about that, but I carried on with my life.

The Guardian

I carried on but wasn't convinced.

BBC

I could have chosen to stop using it but I didn't, I carried on".

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I carried on" to emphasize resilience or determination when facing challenges or unexpected circumstances. It adds a narrative element to your writing, highlighting your perseverance.

Common error

Avoid using "I carried on" when a simpler word like "continued" suffices. Overuse can make your writing sound unnecessarily dramatic or repetitive in straightforward situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "I carried on" is to act as a verbal phrase indicating the continuation of an action. It combines the pronoun 'I' with the verb 'carried' (past tense of 'carry') and the particle 'on' to express perseverance or the act of continuing despite circumstances. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I carried on" is a commonly used and grammatically correct verbal phrase that signifies the continuation of an action, often despite challenges. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Predominantly found in "News & Media" contexts, it conveys resilience and determination. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "I continued" or "I persisted". Remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse in scenarios where simpler alternatives suffice. The analysis of various sources indicates the phrase's neutrality and adaptability across different writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I continued

Uses a more direct synonym for 'carried on', focusing on the simple act of continuing.

I proceeded

Suggests a more formal or planned continuation of action.

I kept going

Emphasizes persistence and forward motion.

I persisted

Highlights determination in the face of difficulty.

I moved forward

Implies progress and overcoming obstacles.

I pressed on

Conveys a sense of urgency or resolve in continuing.

I went ahead

Indicates a decision to proceed despite potential hindrances.

I didn't stop

Focuses on the lack of interruption or cessation.

I maintained my course

Suggests sticking to a planned path or strategy.

I kept at it

Emphasizes continued effort and dedication to a task.

FAQs

What does "I carried on" mean?

The phrase "I carried on" means that someone continued doing something, often despite difficulties or obstacles. It implies persistence and a decision not to stop.

What can I say instead of "I carried on"?

You can use alternatives like "I continued", "I persisted", or "I kept going" depending on the context.

Is "I carried on" formal or informal?

"I carried on" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal writing, although alternatives might be more suitable for specific contexts. For instance, in formal settings, you could use "I proceeded".

How do I use "I carried on" in a sentence?

Use "I carried on" to indicate the continuation of an action after an interruption or difficulty. For example, "Despite the rain, I carried on with my hike."