1 A2 neutral
To continue to the next topic, task, or stage in a sequence.
"Let's move on to the last item on the agenda before we run out of time."
move on
A2 neutral intransitive
To continue to the next stage, topic, or phase; or to leave behind a situation, relationship, or period of life and begin something new.
In plain English
Stop thinking about the past and start a new chapter, or just continue to the next part of something.
What does "move on" mean?
4 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 A2 idiomatic neutral
To leave a difficult emotional situation, relationship, or period of life behind and start fresh.
"It took her a long time to move on after the divorce, but she's finally happy again."
“
We need to move on from this moment, to look ahead to what we can build together.
— Barack Obama, Victory Speech, Chicago, November 4, 2008
3 A2 neutral
To leave a place where you have stopped and continue travelling.
"After a quick coffee, we moved on to the next town before dark."
4 B1 neutral
To change to a different job, career, or situation, usually one considered better or more advanced.
"He'd been at the same company for ten years before finally deciding it was time to move on."
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To go forward to the next place — largely transparent.
Actually means
Stop thinking about the past and start a new chapter, or just continue to the next part of something.
Usage tip
Extremely common and versatile. The emotional sense ('move on after a breakup') is very frequently used. The procedural sense ('let's move on to the next item') is standard in meetings and presentations. Also used by police to disperse people.
Words that pair with "move on"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
relationship past job topic life quickly
How to conjugate "move on"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
move on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
moves on
he/she/it
Past simple
moved on
yesterday
Past participle
moved on
have + pp
-ing form
moving on
continuous
Hear "move on" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "move 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.