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leave on

A2 neutral separable transitive
In simple words

To not turn something off, so it keeps working or stays switched on.

Literal meaning: To leave something in the 'on' state.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To allow a device, appliance, or light to continue operating without switching it off.

"She left the TV on all night and woke up to find it still playing."

Grammar: separable
2 A2 neutral

To keep an item of clothing or jewellery on your body rather than removing it.

"You can leave your coat on — we won't be here for long."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Extremely common in everyday domestic speech. Also used for clothing — leaving something on means not removing it. Very simple and transparent phrasal verb.

Commonly used with

light TV heating music tap engine

Forms

Base
leave on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
leaves on
he/she/it
Past simple
left on
yesterday
Past participle
left on
have + pp
-ing form
leaving on
continuous

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Synonyms

keep on keep running not switch off let run keep going

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