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Phrasal Verbs 1 min read Published January 2025 10 learners asked about this

What does "move on" mean?

What it means: To stop focusing on something in the past and progress to the next thing - emotionally, practically, or literally.In conversation/meetings:"Let's move on to the next point." (proceed to the next topic)"Shall we move on?" (continue - common in presentations)After difficulty:"It took...

What it means

To stop focusing on something in the past and progress to the next thing - emotionally, practically, or literally.

In conversation/meetings

"Let's move on to the next point." (proceed to the next topic)
"Shall we move on?" (continue - common in presentations)

After difficulty

"It took her a while, but she finally moved on after the breakup."
"You need to move on and stop dwelling on it."
"I've moved on from that job - I'm much happier now."

Physically

"The police told the crowd to move on." (leave the area)
"We moved on to the next city." (continued travelling)

What it implies (emotional)

Accepting the past and no longer letting it control you. It can sound slightly dismissive if someone says it too quickly after a difficult event.

A native would say

  • "Let it go" - stop holding onto it emotionally
  • "Put it behind you" - leave it in the past
  • "Get over it" - blunter, can sound harsh

Register

All registers - from therapy to board meetings.

Frequently asked

What does "move on" mean?

To stop focusing on something in the past and progress to the next thing - emotionally, practically, or literally.

Is "move on" formal or informal?

All registers - from therapy to board meetings.

What's another way to say "move on"?

  • "Let it go" - stop holding onto it emotionally
  • "Put it behind you" - leave it in the past
  • "Get over it" - blunter, can sound harsh
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