Cool MateCarry on vs Keep it moving
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Carry on
Top 2,000 (common)
Keep it moving
InformalTop 2,000 (common)
Most formal: Carry on
| Carry on | Keep it moving | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈkæri ɒn//🇺🇸 //ˈkæri ɑn// | 🇬🇧 //kiːp ɪt ˈmuːvɪŋ//🇺🇸 //kip ɪt ˈmuːvɪŋ// |
| Meaning | To continue doing something. | Continue working or doing something |
| Example | Despite the distractions, she decided to carry on with her studies. | During the marathon, the coach shouted, 'Keep it moving!' to motivate the runners. |
| Register | Neutral | Informal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | carry on working, carry on despite, carry on with a task | keep it up, keep it going, keep it together |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'carry out', which means to perform or execute., Using 'carry on' without a gerund or direct object when required. | Using it in serious or formal conversations., Confusing it with 'keep moving' which has a similar meaning but is often more literal., Omitting 'it' when saying the phrase. |
| 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. | Used in casual contexts to encourage someone to continue without stopping. Avoid in formal situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Carry on vs Keep it moving
What's the difference between Carry on and Keep it moving?
Carry on: To continue doing something. Keep it moving: Continue working or doing something
Which is more formal: Carry on and Keep it moving?
Carry on is the most formal of these.
Can you show an example of each?
Carry on: Despite the distractions, she decided to carry on with her studies. Keep it moving: During the marathon, the coach shouted, 'Keep it moving!' to motivate the runners.
Can I use Carry on and Keep it moving interchangeably?
Not always. Carry on and Keep it moving 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.