English Reference

Phrasal verb

move on

Definition

phrasal verb. to stop doing or talking about one thing and start something new. You use this when you finish a task or when you decide to forget a past problem and look at the future.

phrasal verb. to progress to a new stage, activity, or topic after concluding a previous one. The verb is typically intransitive but often takes a prepositional phrase starting with 'to' to indicate the next focus.

Examples

“Let's move on to the next item on the agenda.”

“After the breakup, it took her several months to finally move on and start dating again.”

“Having addressed the preliminary concerns regarding the budget, the committee decided to move on to the more contentious issue of staff restructuring.”

Examples

simple

“Let's move on to the next item on the agenda.”

contextual

“After the breakup, it took her several months to finally move on and start dating again.”

complex

“Having addressed the preliminary concerns regarding the budget, the committee decided to move on to the more contentious issue of staff restructuring.”

Usage

usually followed by 'to' when you mention the new topic or activity.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'carry on' to show the difference between continuing an action and changing to a new one.

Pitfall

I want to move on the next chapter.

I want to move on to the next chapter.

the preposition 'to' is necessary when specifying the new topic or destination.

Phrasal verb

Particles

on

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

move + on (+ to + object)

Synonyms

progressproceedadvancecontinue

Antonyms

stayremaindwell on

Grammar

Phrasal verbs (introduction)

This entry

Exam level
CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
Level
B1 · Intermediate
Updated

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English Reference