Definition

1. Adverbial Phrase:
   • Currently traveling to perform or present a series of events: The phrase "on tour" describes the state of a person or group (often performers, artists, or athletes) who are traveling from place to place to give performances, exhibitions, or presentations as part of a planned series.

Usage

• "On tour" functions as an adverbial phrase, typically following a form of the verb "to be" (e.g., is, are, was, were) to describe a temporary, active state of traveling for professional engagements.
• It is commonly used in the context of music, theater, sports, speaking, or promotional activities.

Examples

• Adverbial Phrase:
  • The band is currently on tour in Europe, playing twenty cities.
  • After the book's success, the author will be on tour for three months doing signings.
  • The exhibition left the national museum and went on tour to regional galleries.

Advanced Usage

• "to be on tour": The most common construction, indicating the ongoing state of touring.
  • The dance company has been on tour since January.
• "to go on tour": Describes the action of beginning a tour.
  • The team will go on tour next season to play international matches.
• "to take [something] on tour": To bring a show, exhibition, or production to multiple locations.
  • The director decided to take the successful play on tour.

Variants and Related Words

• Tour (n/v): The planned series of performances, visits, or matches in different places / to make a tour.
  • Their world tour includes 50 dates. (Noun)
  • They will tour Asia next year. (Verb)
• Tourist (n): A person who travels for pleasure.
• Road, The (n): Informally used in contexts like "life on the road" or "show on the road" to mean a state of constant travel, similar to being on tour.

Synonyms

• On the road: Traveling, especially for work or performances. (Note: This can be more general than "on tour," which implies a scheduled series of events).
• Touring: The present participle of the verb, often used adjectivally (e.g., a touring company).

Related Phrases

• Concert tour: A series of musical performances in different cities.
• Lecture tour: A series of speeches or talks given in different locations.
• Promotional tour: A trip to multiple places to advertise a product, book, or film.

Idioms

• "On tour" itself can be considered a standard idiomatic phrase in the entertainment and sports industries.
• "The show must go on": A related idiom emphasizing that a performance (or tour) should continue despite problems.

Noun

1. travelling about
   • they took the show on the road
   • they lost all their games on the road