Meaning trap
carry on
continue
To keep doing something, especially after being interrupted or when it is difficult.
Don't mix these meanings
Same phrase, different job.
To keep doing something, especially after being interrupted or when it is difficult.
Hear it in context
Notice where the phrase sounds natural.
- Even though it started raining, they decided to carry on with the picnic.daily life
- In my opinion, it's important to carry on studying even when you feel tired, because persistence leads to success.IELTS speaking
Fix the pattern
Pattern: carry on (with sth) / carry on doing sth
WrongJust carry on to talk, I'm listening.
RightJust carry on talking, I'm listening.
'Carry on' takes -ing, not a to-infinitive.
Patterncarry on (with sth) / carry on doing sth
Use it right
Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.
In speech, 'carry on' is the natural way to say 'keep going'. 'Please continue with your presentation' is fine but more formal/written.
Build natural chunks
Words that usually travel with it.
carry on + mannerworkingregardlessas normalwith it
Don't confuse it
'Carry on' means to continue, while 'carry out' means to do or complete a task.