Phrasal verbs with on

46 phrasal verbs · 67 meanings · A2 to C2

What does "on" add to phrasal verbs?

When you add "on" to a verb, you're often talking about continuing or staying with something. You can see this clearly in verbs like carry on, keep on, and go on – they all suggest that an action doesn't stop but moves forward through time. This idea of persistence shows up in press on when you push through difficulties, and drag on when something continues longer than you'd like.

The particle "on" also creates meanings about contact and connection. Sometimes this is physical contact, like when you put on clothes or get on a bus. But it's often about mental or emotional connection too. You count on people you trust, dwell on thoughts that stick in your mind, and catch on to ideas that finally connect with your understanding. Even pick on someone involves targeting them repeatedly.

Another strong pattern emerges around building and using what already exists. You build on past successes, draw on your experience, and act on advice someone has given you. These phrasal verbs suggest taking something as your starting point and developing it further.

Understanding these patterns helps you make educated guesses about unfamiliar phrasal verbs with "on". If someone says they're "banking on" good weather, the connection and dependence meanings suggest they're relying on it happening.

All phrasal verbs with "on"

act on sth do something based on advice, information, or orders B2 bail on sb suddenly leave or cancel on someone, letting them down C1 bank on sth depend on something happening or being true C1 build on sth use a past success as a base for more progress B2 call on sb formally ask someone to do something, especially to speak B2 carry on continue doing something, even when it is difficult B1

catch on

cheat on

come on

cotton on (to sth) start to understand or notice something (informal) C2 count on sb/sth depend on someone or something to do what you need B1 dawn on sb suddenly become clear to someone (an idea or fact) B2 drag on continue for too long in a boring way B2 draw on sth use knowledge, experience, or resources to help you do something C1 dwell on sth think or talk about something too much, especially something bad C1

get on

go on

grow on sb become more liked by someone over time C1

hang on

hinge on sth depend completely on one thing or person C1

hold on

keep on continue doing something without stopping B1 latch on to sth quickly understand and start using an idea, trend, or chance C1 let on tell a secret or show that you know something B2

live on

look on watch something happen without joining in B2

move on

pass on

pick on sb treat someone badly or unfairly again and again B2 pin sth on sb blame someone for something, often unfairly C1 play on sth use someone's feelings, fears, or worries to influence them C1 press on keep going with something even when it is hard B2 prey on sb use someone's fears or weaknesses to take advantage of them C1

put on

seize on sth quickly use something (an idea, a mistake, a piece of news) for your own benefit C1 set on sb attack someone, or order dogs or others to attack them C1 start on sth begin working on a task or dealing with something B1 stay on remain in a place, job, or school longer than planned B2

take on

throw sth on quickly put on a piece of clothing B1 touch on sth mention or talk about a topic briefly B2 try sth on put on clothes to see if they fit or look good B1 turn sth on make a machine or light start working A2 verge on sth be very close to a particular quality or state C1 weigh on sb cause someone ongoing worry or feel like a heavy burden C1 work on sth spend time improving, fixing, or developing something B1

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