it carried on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it carried on" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something continued or persisted, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "Despite the challenges, the project it carried on until completion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And it carried on for another two years, soon negotiating its financial independence from the party.

The Guardian

It carried on regardless.

The Economist

Had it carried on longer than she had thought?

The New York Times

When I looked down, it carried on too.

The Guardian - Tech

It carried on with a refer­endum on the new ­constitution, as though Nargis had not happened.

The Guardian - Travel

That was a good day and it carried on like that.

The Guardian - Music

KG: I've ignored it, carried on, or tried to be funny and failed.

The Guardian

Had it carried on longer than she once thought, she was asked.

The New York Times

But soon enough they asked would I mind doing a batch fiction review, and that's how it carried on".

The Guardian - Books

Throughout 2013, as joblessness receded in most of the UK, in the north-east it carried on rising.

The Guardian

Nevertheless, it carried on, the aim being to show Algeria as green and radiant and to symbolise a country finally at peace.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it carried on" to clearly indicate that an action or event continued without interruption. This phrase is particularly effective in narratives where you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of something.

Common error

Ensure that the subject of "it" is clear from the context. If the subject is unclear, rephrase the sentence to specify what carried on.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it carried on" functions as a verbal phrase, specifically a phrasal verb, indicating the continuation or persistence of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. The examples show its role in narrating events and describing ongoing situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it carried on" is a versatile and frequently used phrasal verb that effectively conveys the continuation of an action or state. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for a wide range of contexts. While it is most commonly found in news and media sources, it also appears in scientific and encyclopedic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is clear to avoid ambiguity. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "it continued" or "it proceeded". Overall, "it carried on" is a reliable and straightforward way to indicate that something persisted over time.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it continued

Focuses on the unbroken sequence of an event or action.

it went on

Emphasizes the duration and progression of something.

it persisted

Highlights the enduring nature of something despite potential obstacles.

it proceeded

Suggests a planned or orderly continuation.

it kept going

Implies effort or resilience in maintaining progress.

it rolled on

Conveys a sense of inevitability and forward movement.

it advanced

Indicates progress and forward movement, often in a strategic sense.

it furthered

Highlights the furthering or development of a particular matter.

it ensued

Implies that something followed as a consequence or result.

it held on

Suggests maintaining a state or condition, often under difficult circumstances.

FAQs

How can I use "it carried on" in a sentence?

You can use "it carried on" to describe the continuation of an activity or event. For instance, "The meeting was scheduled to end at 5 PM, but "it carried on" until 6 PM".

What are some alternatives to "it carried on"?

Some alternatives to "it carried on" include "it continued", "it went on", or "it persisted". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "it carried on" formal or informal?

"It carried on" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal writing, you might prefer a more sophisticated synonym like "it continued" or "it proceeded".

What's the difference between "it carried on" and "it dragged on"?

"It carried on" simply means something continued. "It dragged on", on the other hand, implies that something continued for longer than desired or expected, often suggesting boredom or frustration.