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."
separable
leave on
A2 neutral separable transitive
To allow a device, light, or appliance to remain in its active or switched-on state.
In plain English
To not turn something off, so it keeps working or stays switched on.
What does "leave on" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
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."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To leave something in the 'on' state.
Actually means
To not turn something off, so it keeps working or stays switched on.
Usage tip
Extremely common in everyday domestic speech. Also used for clothing — leaving something on means not removing it. Very simple and transparent phrasal verb.
Words that pair with "leave on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
light TV heating music tap engine
How to conjugate "leave on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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
Hear "leave on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "leave on" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
Other ways to say "leave on"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
Keep exploring
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