Cool MateCarry on vs Move along
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Carry on
Top 2,000 (common)
Move along
Top 2,000 (common)
| Carry on | Move along | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈkæri ɒn//🇺🇸 //ˈkæri ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //muːv əˈlɒŋ//🇺🇸 //muːv əˈlɔːŋ// |
| Meaning | To continue doing something. | To keep going or proceed. |
| Example | Despite the distractions, she decided to carry on with her studies. | The crowd was asked to move along to avoid blocking the entrance. |
| 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 | move along quickly, move along smoothly, move along with progress, move along the path, move along to the next topic |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'carry out', which means to perform or execute., Using 'carry on' without a gerund or direct object when required. | 'Move along' used incorrectly as a single verb without 'along', Confusing 'move along' with 'move on' which has a different connotation, 'Move along' used in inappropriate formal situations |
| 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. | Use 'move along' to suggest progression or to tell someone to leave. It's neutral and suitable in most contexts, but can be more direct in informal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Carry on vs Move along
What's the difference between Carry on and Move along?
Carry on: To continue doing something. Move along: To keep going or proceed.
Can you show an example of each?
Carry on: Despite the distractions, she decided to carry on with her studies. Move along: The crowd was asked to move along to avoid blocking the entrance.
Can I use Carry on and Move along interchangeably?
Not always. Carry on and Move along 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.