carrying on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "carrying on" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used as a verb phrase to indicate continuing or persisting in an action or behavior, or as a noun phrase to refer to someone's actions or behavior. Example 1 (verb phrase): After the storm passed, we carried on with our picnic. Example 2 (noun phrase): His carrying on at the party was quite inappropriate.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She's 92 and carrying on.

Independent

We are just carrying on that tradition".

The New York Times - Sports

He's been carrying on with some woman. . . .

The New Yorker

At least Dickie's carrying on that tradition".

The Guardian - Sport

I'm just used to carrying on".

The Guardian - Music

We're just carrying on that tradition".

The New York Times

It added that Bearwood was "carrying on business" in Britain.

Independent

The Sir Humphreys are carrying on as usual.

Independent

But the Linwood Arboretum is carrying on his mission.

The New York Times

Today, he is openly carrying on mathematical work at Princeton.

The New Yorker

Now, Mr. Cruz is carrying on the tradition.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "carrying on" to describe the continuation of an activity, tradition, or behavior, especially when facing challenges or interruptions. Ensure the context makes it clear whether you mean persisting in a positive or negative sense.

Common error

Be mindful that "carrying on" can sometimes imply inappropriate or excessive behavior. Ensure the surrounding context clarifies your intended meaning to avoid misinterpretation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "carrying on" primarily functions as a phrasal verb, indicating the continuation of an action or behavior. Ludwig's examples show it used to describe persisting in a tradition, continuing a business, or maintaining a certain activity despite challenges.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

13%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "carrying on" is a versatile phrasal verb that signifies continuation, persistence, or specific behavior, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's commonly used in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts. While generally neutral, its connotation can shift depending on the context, sometimes implying inappropriate behavior. Remember to check the surrounding text when you use the phrase to avoid possible misinterpretations. Ludwig's examples highlight the phrase's adaptability and consistent usage across diverse situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continuing

Focuses on the aspect of not stopping an activity.

persisting

Highlights the aspect of maintaining effort despite difficulty.

persevering

Emphasizes determination to overcome obstacles.

proceeding

Emphasizes moving forward after a pause or interruption.

advancing

Highlights progress and forward movement.

maintaining

Highlights the act of keeping something at the same level or standard.

keeping up

Focuses on maintaining pace or progress.

functioning

Refers to the operational state or performance of something.

behaving

Focuses on the manner of conduct, often implying a negative connotation.

acting out

Implies expressing emotions or feelings, often disruptively.

FAQs

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

You can use "carrying on" to describe continuing an activity, as in "Despite the difficulties, they are carrying on with the project". It can also refer to behaving in a dramatic or inappropriate way, such as "He was carrying on like a madman".

What can I say instead of "carrying on" to mean continuing?

Alternatives to "carrying on" that emphasize continuing include "continuing", "persisting", or "proceeding", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "carrying on" to describe behavior?

"Carrying on" is suitable when someone is behaving in an exaggerated or dramatic way, often in response to a situation. For example, "She was carrying on after hearing the news" implies a strong emotional display.

What's the difference between "carrying on" and "carrying out"?

"Carrying on" usually means continuing something already in progress or behaving dramatically. "Carrying out", on the other hand, means performing or executing a task or plan.