# be on

CEFR A2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/be-on
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to be happening or taking place, especially a show, a movie, or a scheduled event.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The movie is on at the cinema in 8 PM." but "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'.

## Usage notes

- 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.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.