Phrasal verb
harp on
Definition
phrasal verb. to talk or complain about the same thing for a long time in an annoying way.
phrasal verb. to dwell on a subject tiresomely or excessively; to persist in talking about a specific topic to the point of irritation for the listener.
Examples
“I know I made a mistake, so please don't harp on about it.”
“My manager keeps harping on the importance of punctuality even though I am never late for work.”
“The editorial board continued to harp on the administration's fiscal failures long after the policy in question had been repealed.”
Examples
simple
“I know I made a mistake, so please don't harp on about it.”
contextual
“My manager keeps harping on the importance of punctuality even though I am never late for work.”
complex
“The editorial board continued to harp on the administration's fiscal failures long after the policy in question had been repealed.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “harp on” in context.
Verb
01. constantly harp on
“My manager constantly harps on the importance of punctuality.”
adv + verb
02. continue to harp on
“I wish you wouldn't continue to harp on about my past mistakes.”
verb + infinitive
03. harp on and on
“She harped on and on about the service until the waiter finally apologized.”
verb + and + verb
04. stop harping on
“Can we please stop harping on the same issue and move to the next agenda item?”
verb + verb
Adverb
05. incessantly harp on
“The media incessantly harped on the politician's minor slip of the tongue.”
adv + verb
06. merely harp on
“It is not enough to merely harp on the problems; we need to find solutions.”
adv + verb
Usage
often followed by the preposition 'about' or 'on' before the object.
Teaching tip
the term comes from the musical instrument (the harp), suggesting the repetition of playing the same string over and over; compare with 'dwell on' which is more neutral.
Pitfall
Stop harping in your old problems.
Stop harping on your old problems.
the correct preposition following the verb is 'on' or 'about', never 'in'.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
harp + on (+ about) + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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