What are the definitions of “bang on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Talk at great length.
He BANGED ON for half an hour but no one was listening.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “bang on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb bang on is to talk at great length, often in a boring or repetitive manner. It is used when someone talks for a long time without stopping or without considering if others are interested in what they are saying.
What are the different verb forms of “bang on”?
| Root Verb | bang on |
| Third Person Singular Present | bangs on |
| Present Participle | banging on |
| Simple Past | banged on |
| Past Participle | banged on |
Example
My neighbor always bangs on about his gardening skills.
Example
She bangs on about her vacation every time we meet.
Example
He is banging on about politics again.
Example
Yesterday, he banged on about his new job for hours.
Example
She had banged on about her achievements all evening.
What kind of phrasal verb is “bang on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“bang on” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
He banged on about his new car.
Example
She banged on about her trip to Europe.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“bang on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
He banged on about his new car.
Example
She banged on about her trip to Europe.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “bang on”?
Bang on about something
To talk about a specific topic at great length, often in a boring or repetitive manner.
Example
He always bangs on about his favorite sports team.
Good things to know
Does “bang on” have an informal or formal tone?
Bang on is an informal phrasal verb. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and casual contexts. It is not suitable for formal writing or situations, where more formal alternatives like 'discuss at length' or 'talk extensively' should be used.
