English Reference

Phrasal verb

stay on

Definition

phrasal verb. to continue working or studying in a place after the time when you were supposed to leave.

phrasal verb. to remain in a position, job, or educational institution beyond the expected or previously agreed-upon duration. The verb is intransitive and often followed by a prepositional phrase indicating the location or role.

Examples

“She decided to stay on at university for another year.”

“Although most of the staff left at five, the manager stayed on to finish the report.”

“The outgoing CEO was requested to stay on as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition for the new leadership team.”

Examples

simple

“She decided to stay on at university for another year.”

contextual

“Although most of the staff left at five, the manager stayed on to finish the report.”

complex

“The outgoing CEO was requested to stay on as a consultant to ensure a smooth transition for the new leadership team.”

Usage

often followed by 'at' for a place or 'as' for a specific role.

Teaching tip

contrast with 'stay' (simply remaining) and 'remain' (more formal); 'stay on' specifically emphasizes the extension of time beyond a limit.

Pitfall

He stayed on the job for two more hours.

He stayed on at the job for two more hours.

without 'at', 'stay on the job' can be confused with the literal prepositional use of 'on'; 'stay on' as a phrasal verb meaning 'remain longer' is usually intransitive.

Phrasal verb

Particles

on

Separability

inseparable

Pattern

stay + on

Synonyms

remainstay behindlingercontinue

Antonyms

leavequitdepart

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