Cool MateCarry on vs Don't stop what you're doing
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Carry on
Top 2,000 (common)
Don't stop what you're doing
Top 2,000 (common)
| Carry on | Don't stop what you're doing | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈkæri ɒn//🇺🇸 //ˈkæri ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt stɒp wɒt jʊə ˈduːɪŋ//🇺🇸 //doʊnt stɑp wʌt jʊər ˈduːɪŋ// |
| Meaning | To continue doing something. | Keep doing what you are currently doing. |
| Example | Despite the distractions, she decided to carry on with her studies. | I know it’s tough, but please, don't stop what you’re doing. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | carry on working, carry on despite, carry on with a task | don't stop now, don't stop the progress, don't stop working |
| Antonyms | - | stop doing what you're doing |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'carry out', which means to perform or execute., Using 'carry on' without a gerund or direct object when required. | Misplacing 'don't' at the wrong part of the sentence, Using 'stop' in an incorrect tense, Confusing with 'stop what you're doing' |
| Usage notes | Use 'carry on' to describe continuing an action. It's appropriate in both spoken and written contexts but can sound informal in very formal writing. | Usually used to encourage someone to continue their work or activity. It's appropriate in casual conversations and can be motivating. |
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Frequently asked questions: Carry on vs Don't stop what you're doing
What's the difference between Carry on and Don't stop what you're doing?
Carry on: To continue doing something. Don't stop what you're doing: Keep doing what you are currently doing.
Can you show an example of each?
Carry on: Despite the distractions, she decided to carry on with her studies. Don't stop what you're doing: I know it’s tough, but please, don't stop what you’re doing.
Can I use Carry on and Don't stop what you're doing interchangeably?
Not always. Carry on and Don't stop what you're doing are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.