Starting, Continuing, or Getting Closer (On)

to take action to continue with a task or situation

After receiving approval, they decided to act on the construction project immediately.

to cause something to happen, especially something undesirable or unpleasant

Lack of sleep can bring on a range of health problems.

to choose to continue an ongoing activity

After a short break, they carried on with the meeting.

to continue with a task or activity, especially with determination or enthusiasm

Despite the challenges, the team decided to crack on and complete the project ahead of schedule.

to continue for an extended or tedious period, often with no clear resolution or conclusion

The meeting seemed to drag on for hours without reaching any decisive outcomes.

to advance toward the end of a specific period of time

As we draw on towards the end of the semester, it's essential to finalize our projects and prepare for exams.

to gradually invade a particular area, exceeding established boundaries

The expanding shopping mall started to encroach on the peaceful park, reducing the green space available to the community.

to get closer to a person or thing that is being pursued, often in a race, competition, or chase

In the final lap of the race, the second-place runner started to gain on the leader.

to enter a bus, ship, airplane, etc.

The passengers lined up to get on the cruise ship.

to approach or be close to a particular time or hour

The meeting lasted for hours; it was getting on for midnight.

to continue without stopping

The marathon runners were determined to go on despite the rain.

to continue an activity

After a short break, the team went on with their brainstorming session to develop new ideas.

to keep something with effort or determination

Despite the company's changes, he is determined to hang on to his job.

to tell someone to wait or pause what they are doing momentarily

The referee instructed the athletes to hold on while they reviewed the video replay.

to continue an action or state without interruption

The music kept on playing throughout the evening.

to contribute to something happening in the future

The discovery of penicillin led on to a revolution in medicine.

to remain alive

The old woman lived on for many years after her husband passed away.

to continue moving forward, despite obstacles or distractions

Despite the storm, they decided to press on with their journey.

to persistently continue doing something or move forward

Feeling tired but motivated, she pushed on with her studies.

to continue reading something to discover what happens next

She couldn't put the book down and decided to read on until the end.

to continue without a pause, often lasting longer than expected or needed

The meeting ran on as the team delved into detailed discussions about the project's implementation.

to continue moving forward despite obstacles, challenges, or difficulties

In the face of criticism, he determined to soldier on and pursue his passion for art.

to remain in a specific place, job, or program for a longer period

He plans to stay on as the company's CEO for another year.

to make something start working usually by flipping a switch

As soon as she entered the room, she switched the lights on.

to cause a machine, device, or system to start working or flowing, usually by pressing a button or turning a switch

Before using the printer, make sure to turn it on and check for paper.

(of a situation or issue) to continue for a long period of time without resolution

Despite efforts to resolve the dispute, the conflict between the two neighbors continues to rumble on.