To continue doing something despite difficulties; to behave in an excited or disruptive way; or to have a romantic or sexual affair.
To keep doing what you are doing, or to make a big fuss about something.
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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)
(Informal) To behave in an excited, noisy, or disruptive way; to make a fuss.
"The children were carrying on terribly until their mother arrived."
(Informal, dated) To have a romantic or sexual relationship, especially secretly.
"Everyone in the office knew she was carrying on with her boss."
To manage or conduct something such as a business, conversation, or tradition.
"She carried on her father's business after he retired."
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.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Listen to native speakers using "carry on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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