get on with a task

USAGE SUMMARY

'get on with a task' is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to encourage someone to start or continue to work on a task. For example: "Let's try to get on with the task and finish it by the end of the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

True, you might have 'on edge' moments if you're not left in peace to get on with a task you've set yourself.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

With no real prospect of power, some may wonder why he puts up with the indignities and stress.In fact Mr Clegg has been quietly getting on with a task that may one day justify the hassle: turning the Liberal Democrats into a party that is authentically liberal in more than name.

The Economist

They're also very good at just getting on with a task and getting the job done".

The Guardian

Another excuse for not getting on with a task is the deadline seems to be, what feels like, months away.

Independent

Justin Rosenstein, the San Francisco-based entrepreneur who created Facebook's Like button, was so concerned that email was interfering with people's ability to get on with their jobs that he created Asana, an app that cuts through the small talk and prompts workers to get on with specific tasks on a minute-by-minute basis.

The Times

For all its stirring music, listeners get on with their mid-morning tasks.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Risking embarrassment and failure are a part of being human, and learning and honing your skills is often built on trial and error, through getting on with the task and doing it.

WikiHow

"Never flash, always calm and steady, he would happily get on with any task that came his way, whether long carries or consoling distressed casualties.

BBC

"Those backers of this war in Western and Middle Eastern capitals need to put pressure on parties to the fighting to agree a ceasefire to allow public health and aid workers to get on with the task". A Saudi-led multinational coalition - backed by the US and UK - launched a military campaign in support of President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi in March 2015.

BBC

He got under fellow Councilman Dave Weaver's skin to the point that he stormed out of a recent budget session, demanding Manoukian be silenced so they could get on with their task of balancing a budget with an $18-million 18-million deficit

Los Angeles Times

With a compensation package for Roberto Martinez agreed with Everton the Latics owner can get on with the task of finding a replacement for the Spaniard.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get on with a task" to encourage action and progress, especially when motivating someone to start or continue working despite distractions or difficulties.

Common error

While "get on with a task" is versatile, avoid using it in highly formal settings where more professional language is expected. Consider replacing it with "proceed with the task" or "continue the work" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get on with a task" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically used to encourage or instruct someone to begin or continue working on something. The Ludwig examples show its versatility in various contexts, from motivating individuals to complete personal tasks to urging groups to address larger objectives.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get on with a task" is a versatile phrasal verb used to encourage action and promote progress, as affirmed by Ludwig. While suitable for various contexts, it's more appropriate for neutral to informal settings, particularly in news and media, rather than strictly formal or academic writing. The phrase implies a sense of urgency and motivation, prompting individuals or groups to overcome distractions and focus on achieving their goals. While grammatically correct and widely understood, remember to consider the formality of your audience and context when choosing to use this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

proceed with the task

Focuses on the action of moving forward with the task.

continue with the task

Emphasizes the aspect of not stopping and pursuing the task.

start working on the task

Highlights the initiation of the work.

focus on the task at hand

Highlights concentration and immediate attention to the task.

dedicate oneself to the task

Emphasizes commitment and devotion to completing the task.

apply oneself to the task

Highlights the effort and energy put into the task.

immerse oneself in the task

Stresses deep involvement and focus on the activity.

get down to business

An idiomatic expression that means to start doing something seriously.

undertake the task

Focuses on formally starting or accepting responsibility for the task.

address the task

Highlights dealing directly with the specific issue or work.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "get on with a task" to sound more formal?

In formal contexts, alternatives like "proceed with the task", "continue with the task", or "undertake the task" may be more appropriate.

What does it mean to "get on with a task"?

To "get on with a task" means to start or continue doing something, especially after an interruption or delay. It implies a sense of moving forward and making progress.

Is "get on with a task" suitable for business communication?

Yes, "get on with a task" is suitable for many business contexts, particularly when encouraging team members to focus and move forward. However, consider the level of formality required; in more formal communications, "continue the work" may be preferable.

Can "get on with a task" be used in academic writing?

While understandable, "get on with a task" is generally too informal for academic writing. Alternatives such as "proceed with the research" or "continue the analysis" are better suited.