Definition of the Phrasal Verb “Be On”

“Be on” can have several meanings depending on the context:

1. To Be Scheduled or Happening:
   • To be occurring or taking place at a specific time.
   • Example: “The meeting is on for 3 PM.”
2. To Be Activated or Functioning:
   • For a device, machine, or system to be in operation or turned on.
   • Example: “The lights are on in the office.”
3. To Be Attuned or Focused:
   • To be mentally or emotionally focused or engaged.
   • Example: “He’s really on top of things today.”
4. To Be in a State of Being:
   • To be in a particular condition or situation.
   • Example: “She’s on vacation this week.”
5. To Be Involved in Something:
   • To be participating in or responsible for an activity or project.
   • Example: “She’s on the team working on the new project.”
6. To Be Unwell or Experiencing Symptoms:
   • To be affected by illness or symptoms.
   • Example: “He’s on medication for his condition.”

Prepositions

• Before “be on”: Typically used with the context or event.
  • Example: “The seminar is on Friday.”
• After “be on”: Often followed by details about the time, state, or involvement.
  • Example: “She’s on vacation this week.”

Collocations

• Be on time
• Be on schedule
• Be on duty
• Be on air
• Be on strike
• Be on hold
• Be on track
• Be on the lookout

Example Sentences

1. The conference is on for next Tuesday.
2. The heater is on because it’s quite cold in the room.
3. She’s really on today; everything is going smoothly.
4. He’s on a business trip this week.
5. The technician is on the job and will fix the issue soon.
6. The news broadcast is on at 8 PM.
7. The system is on and functioning properly.
8. She’s on maternity leave until the end of the month.
9. He’s on the committee organizing the annual event.
10. The project is on track to meet its deadline.
11. The restaurant is on the corner of Main Street and Elm Street.
12. The call is on hold while we wait for the customer service representative.
13. The play is on every weekend at the local theater.
14. He’s on medication to manage his symptoms.
15. The flight is on schedule and will depart at 5 PM.
16. She’s on a diet and is avoiding sugary foods.
17. The show is on hiatus until the new season starts.
18. The lights are on in the building; it looks like someone’s there.
19. The meeting is on for today’s agenda.
20. He’s on guard duty for the next 12 hours.
21. The equipment is on and ready for use.
22. She’s on a leave of absence for personal reasons.
23. The report is on track and should be completed by Friday.
24. The job is on offer at the company’s career page.
25. The event is on, despite the rain.
26. The server is on and accessible for the team to use.
27. He’s on the lookout for any updates on the project.
28. The class is on for 10 AM tomorrow.
29. The policy is on the website for everyone to review.
30. She’s on the verge of making a big decision.
31. The broadcast is on throughout the day.
32. He’s on the mend after his recent surgery.
33. The promotion is on for a limited time only.
34. The team is on a winning streak this season.
35. The store is on the main street and easy to find.
36. She’s on a call with her client right now.
37. The lights are on dim to save energy.
38. The application is on hold until the next review meeting.
39. The meeting is on track and proceeding as planned.
40. He’s on the payroll starting next month.
41. The discussion is on the agenda for tomorrow’s meeting.
42. The medicine is on prescription from the doctor.
43. The deadline is on the calendar for next week.
44. She’s on top of her game and performing well.
45. The work is on pause due to the holiday season.
46. The exhibition is on display at the local gallery.
47. The contract is on offer for a new client.
48. He’s on the case and working to solve the issue.
49. The train is on time and should arrive shortly.
50. The seminar is on at the conference center this afternoon.