get on

USAGE SUMMARY

"get on" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is usually used to mean to continue with something, as in, "Let's get on with the project." It can also mean to start something, as in, "Let's get on the task of cleaning the kitchen."

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Get on!

The New York Times

We get on well.

The New Yorker

I didn't get on!

The New York Times - Magazine

Get on often.

WikiHow

Get on one knee.

WikiHow

— Get on Twitter.

The New York Times

"Get on with things".

The New York Times

Get on your feet.

The New Yorker

Get on the scales.

Independent

"Come on, get on".

The New Yorker

We get on bridge.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to board a vehicle, use "get on" followed by the specific mode of transport (e.g., "Get on the bus", "Get on the train").

Common error

Avoid using "get on" interchangeably in all contexts. For instance, while "get on with it" implies continuing a task, it's not suitable for describing physical ascent like getting on a horse.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get on" functions primarily as a phrasal verb, exhibiting diverse meanings depending on the context. It can denote physical action, such as boarding a vehicle, or abstract progression, like continuing with a task. Ludwig examples showcase its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrasal verb "get on" is a versatile expression with multiple meanings, ranging from physically boarding a vehicle to progressing with a task or having a good relationship. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness is generally accepted. With a wide range of applications documented across news media, wikis, and formal business communications, "get on" is a very common phrase in English. To avoid misuse, it's important to consider the specific context and choose the appropriate sense of "get on" or a suitable alternative. When the context doesn't fit, use another alternative such as "embark on", "get along with" or "advance with".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get along with

Indicates having a good relationship or being compatible with someone.

embark on

Focuses on starting a journey or undertaking.

climb aboard

Specifically refers to boarding a vehicle or vessel.

make progress with

Emphasizes advancement or improvement in a task or situation.

advance with

Highlights forward movement or progression.

start with

Similar to 'begin with', emphasizing initiation.

come along with

Suggests accompanying or joining something or someone.

move forward

Emphasizes continuing or progressing despite obstacles.

begin with

Focuses on the commencement of an action or task.

succeed in

Highlights achieving a desired outcome or goal.

FAQs

How can I use "get on" in a sentence about boarding transportation?

Use "get on" followed by the specific vehicle: "Get on the bus", "Get on the train", or "Get on the plane".

What does it mean to "get on with" something?

To "get on with" something means to continue or proceed with a task or activity, often after an interruption or delay.

What are some alternatives to "get on" when talking about relationships?

When referring to relationships, you can use "get along with" or "have a good relationship with".

Is it correct to say "get on it"?

Yes, "get on it" is an informal way of urging someone to start or deal with something immediately. It's similar to saying "get started" or "begin".