# stay on

CEFR B1 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/stay-on
Updated: 2026-10-23

## Definition

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

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "He stayed on the job for two more hours." but "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.

## Usage notes

- 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.

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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.