Carry on: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used in casual conversations to encourage someone to keep going despite interruptions or difficulties.

• Don't worry about the noise, just carry on with your presentation.
• After a short break, they carried on with the meeting.

General term used to indicate that someone should keep doing something without stopping; suitable for both formal and informal situations.

• Please continue reading the instructions.
• They decided to continue their journey despite the weather.

Usually used in formal or official contexts to indicate moving forward with a task or process.

• The judge ordered the court to proceed with the case.
• You may proceed to the next step of the application.

Implies determination to continue despite obstacles or difficulties; often used in motivational or inspirational contexts.

• She persisted in her efforts to get the funding.
• Despite the criticism, he persisted and eventually succeeded.

Used when someone stops something and then starts it again after a pause or interruption.

• The meeting was interrupted but will resume after lunch.
• After a brief conversation, they resumed their work.

Use when encouraging someone to continue their current activity, especially when they might be facing mild to moderate difficulties.

• Despite the rain, they decided to carry on with the picnic.
• You should carry on your good work.

Use in more formal or serious situations, often when someone is facing significant challenges and is being encouraged to continue with effort.

• She had to persevere through many hardships before achieving success.
• To master a new skill, you need to persevere.

Use when emphasizing continued effort over time, especially when there are obstacles. This can have a slightly more determined or relentless tone.

• He persisted in his efforts despite numerous setbacks.
• If you persist, you will eventually break through.

Use in situations where you are motivating someone to continue moving forward or to not give up, generally in the face of physical or mental effort.

• You're almost there, just keep going!
• Even when it gets hard, keep going and you'll succeed.

Use in informal situations to encourage someone to continue doing something, usually when the person might be considering stopping.

• I know learning a new language is tough, but stick with it!
• Stick with it, and you’ll see results.