English Phrasal Verbs With “On”
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of English vocabulary, especially in spoken and informal contexts. They consist of a verb and one or more particles (usually prepositions or adverbs), and their meanings often differ from the original verb. In this article, we will explore common phrasal verbs that include the particle “on”, along with their meanings, examples, and exercises to test your understanding.
1. Carry On
Meaning: To continue doing something.
- Please carry on with your work while I take this call.
- Despite the noise, she carried on reading her book.
- The teacher told the students to carry on with the exercise.
2. Put On
Meaning: To wear clothes or accessories; also means to start a device (e.g., TV, music).
- She put on her jacket before going outside.
- He put on his favorite song and started dancing.
- Don’t forget to put on sunscreen before going to the beach.
3. Turn On
Meaning: To activate a device or machine.
- Can you turn on the lights? It’s too dark in here.
- She turned on the heater because it was cold.
- He turned on the TV to watch the news.
4. Go On
Meaning: To continue; also means to happen or take place.
- The meeting went on for three hours.
- What’s going on here? Why is everyone shouting?
- If you go on like this, you’ll exhaust yourself.
5. Hold On
Meaning: To wait or pause; also means to grip something tightly.
- Hold on a minute—I need to grab my keys.
- She held on to the railing as she walked down the stairs.
- The caller asked me to hold on while they checked the details.
6. Try On
Meaning: To test clothing or accessories by wearing them.
- She tried on three dresses before choosing one.
- He tried on the shoes to see if they fit.
- You should try on the jacket before buying it.
7. Count On
Meaning: To rely or depend on someone or something.
- You can always count on me for help.
- We’re counting on good weather for the picnic.
- Don’t count on him—he’s always late.
8. Move On
Meaning: To leave a place or situation; also means to progress.
- After the breakup, she decided to move on and focus on her career.
- Let’s move on to the next topic.
- The train stopped briefly and then moved on.
9. Get On
Meaning: To board a vehicle; also means to have a good relationship with someone.
- We got on the bus at the last stop.
- She gets on well with her coworkers.
- Hurry up and get on the train before it leaves!
10. Pass On
Meaning: To give something to someone else; also means to die (euphemism).
- Could you pass on the message to John?
- She passed on her old books to her younger sister.
- His grandfather passed on last year.
Exercises
Test your understanding of these phrasal verbs with the following exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct phrasal verb from the list to complete the sentences.
- 1. Please _____ the lights; it’s too dark in here. (turn on / put on)
- 2. She _____ her new dress and looked in the mirror. (tried on / got on)
- 3. Can I _____ you to help me with this project? (count on / move on)
- 4. The teacher asked the students to _____ with their assignments. (carry on / pass on)
- 5. He _____ the bus just before it left the station. (got on / held on)
Exercise 2: Match the Phrasal Verb to Its Meaning
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning |
|---|---|
| 1. Carry on | A. To wear clothes |
| 2. Put on | B. To continue |
| 3. Count on | C. To rely on someone |
| 4. Move on | D. To leave a situation |
| 5. Pass on | E. To give something to someone |
Exercise 3: Write Sentences
Use each of the following phrasal verbs in a sentence.
- 1. Go on
- 2. Hold on
- 3. Try on
- 4. Get on
- 5. Turn on