To keep doing something, especially after being interrupted or when it is difficult.
Even though it started raining, they decided to carry on with the picnic.
A: Should we stop working now? B: No, let's carry on for another hour.
In my opinion, it's important to carry on studying even when you feel tired, because persistence leads to success.
Common mistake
✗Just carry on to talk, I'm listening.
✓Just carry on talking, I'm listening.
'Carry on' takes -ing, not a to-infinitive.
Tell it apart
Carry on working — don't let me stop you.
continue
They carried out the plan.
performed / executed
Use 'carry on' when you want to talk about continuing an action or activity. You can say 'carry on with your work' or 'carry on talking'.'Carry on' means to continue, while 'carry out' means to do or complete a task.
To behave in an uncontrolled, emotional, or foolish way, often by complaining, making a fuss, or showing excessive emotion.
She started carrying on about how unfair everything was, even though it was just a minor inconvenience.
A: Why did you leave the meeting so suddenly? B: I couldn't stand Tom carrying on like that—he was shouting and waving his arms everywhere.
While some people may carry on about minor issues in public, others prefer to remain composed and address their concerns privately.
Common mistake
✗She carried on at the bad news.
✓She carried on about the bad news. / She made a fuss about it.
In this fussing sense it's 'carry on ABOUT something'; 'carry on' alone just means continue.
Tell it apart
Stop carrying on like that!
making a dramatic fuss
Carry on with your work.
continue it — different sense
Use this sense in informal contexts to describe someone behaving in an exaggerated, emotional, or childish way, especially when complaining or reacting dramatically. It can sound critical or disapproving.Unlike the basic sense of 'carry on' meaning 'to continue', this sense is about someone reacting emotionally or making a scene, not simply persisting with an activity.