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carry on

A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To keep doing what you are doing, or to make a big fuss about something.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To continue doing something, especially despite difficulties or interruptions.

"Despite the bad weather, they carried on with the outdoor ceremony."

"Keep calm and carry on."

— British Government motivational poster prepared for public morale, 1939 (widely known cultural reference)
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic informal

(Informal) To behave in an excited, noisy, or disruptive way; to make a fuss.

"The children were carrying on terribly until their mother arrived."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

(Informal, dated) To have a romantic or sexual relationship, especially secretly.

"Everyone in the office knew she was carrying on with her boss."

Grammar: inseparable
4 B1 neutral

To manage or conduct something such as a business, conversation, or tradition.

"She carried on her father's business after he retired."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

The 'continue' sense is extremely common in British English (see also the famous WWII slogan 'Keep Calm and Carry On'). The 'behave badly/make a fuss' sense is informal British English. The 'affair' sense is dated but understood.

Commonly used with

regardless work tradition business normally conversation

Forms

Base
carry on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
carries on
he/she/it
Past simple
carried on
yesterday
Past participle
carried on
have + pp
-ing form
carrying on
continuous

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