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Phrasal Verbs

Unit 1.2 - "On" meaning "Continuing with Something"

  • Guess the meanings of the phrasal verbs from context:

     

    • The lecture was so boring!  It dragged on for hours!

    • Keep on trying!  Don't give up!

    • The celebration went on for days.

    • Students have to stay on at school until they are 16.

     

    All these phrasal verbs have the meaning of "to continue".  See Explanations ê

     

  • Explanations:

 

Drag on

(inseparable)

[For something unpleasant] To continue for too long 
>> The war in Iraq has already dragged on for a year and could drag on for a few more years. [often + for]

Keep on

(inseparable)

To continue to do something, or to do something repeatedly
>> How annoying!  My neighbor kept on asking me personal questions.

Go on

(inseparable)

To continue 
>> The music festival goes on until August 31.

Stay on

(inseparable)

 

To stay in a place longer than you planned or after other people have left it 
>> My husband left Japan last week but I stayed on for an extra day.

To continue to study at school or university in order to get a higher qualification 

>> My father wants me to stay on at school although I want to quit.

To continue working in your job 
>> She wants to retire, but her boss wants her to stay on for another year.

 

  • Exercises:

     

    • Fill in the missing words:

       

      • This movie was really long and boring.  It for 3 hours.

      • Don't quit school.   until you graduate.

      • You want to be a great pianist, don't you?  If so, with your practice.  Don't stop!

      • The summer festival in Toronto for 2 weeks in August.

      • I tried to calm the baby down, but she crying.

       

    • Complete the following dialog:

       

      • Dad: How's school these days?

      • Son: This semester seems extremely long.  It seems to forever!

      • Dad:  Why's that so?

      • Son:  I don't know...  I'm so tired ... Sometimes I don't feel like at school.  I just wanna quit and get a job.

      • Dad:  Don't complaining!  I work very hard to put you through college, you know!

      • Son:  OK, OK!  You've told me many times!  You don't have to telling me that!

      • Dad:  I just want the best for you, son!  at school is the best for you right now.  Trust me.

<Back to Module 1    Go to Unit 1.3>

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