Carry On - Put Off
A phrasal verb is a verb that is made up of a main verb together with an adverb or a preposition, or both. Typically, their meaning is not obvious from the meanings of the individual words themselves.
The phrasal verb to carry on has several meanings:
- to carry on doing something/with something -- means to continue doing something.
Example
Sorry, I interrupted you. Carry on, please.
You'll put on weight if you carry on eating fast food.
I want to carry on with my business idea.
- to carry on -- means to continue moving.
Example
Carry straight on until you see the red building.
- to carry on something -- means to do or take part in a particular kind of work or activity.
Example
It was so noisy there that it was difficult for us to carry on a conversation.
- (spoken) to carry on about -- means to speak with overwhelming enthusiasm.
Example
I wish my friends would stop carrying on about their trip.
The phrasal verb to put off has several meanings:
- to put something off/to put off doing something -- means to delay doing something or to arrange to do something at a later time or date, especially because there is a problem or you do not want to do it at that time.
Example
The game has been put off until tomorrow because of bad weather.
I've been putting off working on my thesis because I'm never in the mood.
- to put somebody off/put somebody off (doing) something -- means to make you dislike something or not want to do something.
Example
Don't let his humour put you off - he's a nice guy actually.
I don't want my fears put you off finding a job in another state.
- to put somebody off -- means to make someone wait because you do not want to meet them, talk to them etc. until later.
Example
If my brother calls, put him off as long as possible.
- to put somebody off (something) -- means to make it difficult for someone to pay attention to what they are doing by talking, making a noise etc.
Example
It puts me off when you're listening to music while I'm talking to you.
Guided Practice
Use to carry on doing something/with something when you indicate that you continue doing something.
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Mary tries to .................... eating healthy.
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How can you possibly .................... Bill's attitude? It's so disrespectful!
Use to carry on when you continue moving.
- ....................! There's nothing to see here!
Use to carry on something when you do or take part in a particular kind of work or activity.
- Liza's friends .................... planning a bridal shower.
Use to put something off/to put off doing something when you delay doing something or arrange to do something at a later time or date.
- Why is Mr. Smith constantly .................... the meeting? The board of directors won't like it.
Use to put somebody off/put somebody off (doing) something when somebody or something make you dislike something or not want to do something.
- His indecisiveness really .................... me .................... I don't feel like we can make any plans to meet up.
Short Story using Phrasal Verbs Carry On - Put Off
–Can you carry on a project together with Alice?
–I'd rather work alone. There's something about her that puts me off.
–What are you talking about? She's the nicest person I've ever met.
–Well, maybe this exactly what puts me off. I can't carry on a conversation with her. And she is constantly carrying on about random things.
–Sorry, but you have to carry on with it. We can't put off this whole project because of that.
Independent Practice
Fill in the gaps with carry on or put off. You can change the form if necessary.
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.................... straight .................... until you see a huge monument to your left.
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You should .................... doing physical exercises. It can also improve your mood.
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We can't .................... our trip. We've already booked everything.
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This music really .................... me ..................... I can't seem to concentrate.
Match the sentences.
| a. It's so hard to carry on going to the gym. | 1. Please, carry on. | |
| b. They can't put off their wedding just like that. | 2. I always feel sore. | |
| c. Sorry that I interrupted you. | 3. The guests are on their way. |
Answer the questions.
- Why can't some students carry on attending morning classes?
- Would you put off your vacation if you were asked to do some urgent work?
- What puts you off when you're talking to someone?
Give Up - Turn out
A phrasal verb is a verb that is made up of a main verb together with an adverb or a preposition, or both. Typically, their meaning is not obvious from the meanings of the individual words themselves.
Turn Down - Break Up
A phrasal verb is a verb that is made up of a main verb together with an adverb or a preposition, or both. Typically, their meaning is not obvious from the meanings of the individual words themselves.