1 A2 neutral
Of an event, performance, or programme: to be taking place or currently showing.
"There's a great jazz concert on at the theatre tonight — shall we go?"
inseparable
be on
A2 neutral inseparable intransitive
To be happening, functioning, available, scheduled, or (of a person) behaving unusually.
In plain English
To be working, showing, or taking place right now.
What does "be on" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 neutral
Of a machine, appliance, or supply: to be switched on or functioning.
"Is the central heating on? It feels cold in here."
inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic informal
(British, informal) Of a person: to be behaving strangely, acting unusually, or under the influence of drugs.
"What is he on? He's been talking nonsense for the past hour."
inseparable
4 A2 neutral
Of a scheduled activity or plan: to be agreed upon and still going ahead.
"Is our meeting still on for Thursday, or do we need to reschedule?"
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To be positioned on top of or activated.
Actually means
To be working, showing, or taking place right now.
Usage tip
Has multiple everyday senses. 'What's on?' is a very common British expression meaning 'what's happening?' or 'what's showing at the cinema/theatre?' The sense meaning a person is acting strangely is British informal.
Words that pair with "be on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
TV show film event lights gas
How to conjugate "be on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
be on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
is on
he/she/it
Past simple
was/were on
yesterday
Past participle
been on
have + pp
-ing form
being on
continuous
Hear "be on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "be on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Keep exploring
Jump to every phrasal verb built on the same verb, particle, or level.