Phrasal verb
be on
Definition
phrasal verb. to be happening or taking place, especially a show, a movie, or a scheduled event.
phrasal verb. to be in progress or scheduled for broadcast or performance; often used with media, events, or appliances in an active state.
Examples
“What time is the football match on?”
“There is a great new documentary on Channel 4 tonight at eight o'clock.”
“While the lights were on in the auditorium, the stage manager confirmed that the performance would be on despite the technical delays.”
Examples
simple
“What time is the football match on?”
contextual
“There is a great new documentary on Channel 4 tonight at eight o'clock.”
complex
“While the lights were on in the auditorium, the stage manager confirmed that the performance would be on despite the technical delays.”
Usage
usually used in the third person to describe events, TV shows, or lights.
Teaching tip
this is a 'delexical' use of 'be'; help students by contrasting it with 'be off' for cancelled events or powered-down devices.
Pitfall
The movie is on at the cinema in 8 PM.
The movie is on at the cinema at 8 PM.
use the preposition 'at' for specific times, even when using the phrasal verb 'be on'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
subject + be + on
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/be-on