getting on a train

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting on a train" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of boarding a train for travel or transportation purposes. Example: "After a long day at work, I finally made it to the station and started getting on a train to head home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Film

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"I'm not getting on a train".

The New York Times

I remember getting on a train in a crowd.

The Guardian

Is it the thought of getting on a train full of strangers that frightens you?

The New Yorker

"I haven't tried getting on a train yet, because it is too scary.

The Guardian

'They really do involve daily activities like having breakfast or getting on a train or reading a novel.

The Guardian - Music

"Prevent them from getting on a train?" He added, "You have to ask yourself if this isn't just security theater".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

"No, it's easy, you get on a train".

The Guardian

Disembark and get on a train on the same line going in the opposite direction.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

I got on a train wreck and couldn't get off.

The New York Times - Sports

"He got on a train from Bangkok to Nong Khai at 8.36pm on 10 January.

The Guardian

I got on a train with a friend whose dad had bought us first-class tickets.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an action in progress, "getting on a train" is useful. For example, "I saw him getting on a train to London."

Common error

Avoid using "getting on a train" as a past simple action. Instead of "I getting on a train", use "I got on a train" or "I was getting on a train."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting on a train" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It describes the action of boarding a train. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Film

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting on a train" is a grammatically sound gerund phrase used to describe the action of boarding a train. According to Ludwig, it is correct and suitable for general use. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently in news, media, and less so in formal business or academic writing. The phrase serves to describe a routine action, a step in a journey, or perhaps a source of anxiety or excitement. Alternative phrasings include "boarding a train" or "catching a train", providing options for varying tone and emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boarding a train

Focuses on the act of boarding, offering a more formal tone.

entering a train

Highlights the action of going inside the train.

hopping on a train

Suggests a quick or casual boarding.

catching a train

Emphasizes the act of successfully meeting the train's schedule.

taking the train

Highlights the action of using the train as transportation.

riding the train

Focuses on the experience of being on the train during the journey.

commuting by train

Implies a regular journey, typically to work or school.

travelling by train

Highlights the action of journey through train.

embarking on a train

Offers a more formal and literary way to describe starting a train journey.

accessing a train

Focuses on the action of being able to enter a train

FAQs

How can I use "getting on a train" in a sentence?

You can use "getting on a train" to describe the action of boarding a train. For example: "I am nervous about "getting on a train" during rush hour."

What are some alternatives to "getting on a train"?

Some alternatives include "boarding a train", "entering a train", or "catching a train", depending on the context.

Is "getting on the train" the same as "getting on a train"?

While similar, "getting on the train" usually refers to a specific, previously mentioned train. "Getting on a train" refers to any train.

Which is correct, "get on a train" or "get in a train"?

The correct phrase is "get on a train". We use "on" for public transportation like trains and buses, while "in" is generally used for cars.