getting onto a plane

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting onto a plane" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of boarding an aircraft. Example: "After checking in, we proceeded to the gate for getting onto a plane for our vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The sun pure Getting the Mediterranean.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

You are not allowed to attempt to get onto a plane with a gun.

The New York Times

That infected people must get onto a plane in the first place further reduces the absolute risks.

The Economist

He managed to get onto a plane going back to Minnesota, but it would be 24 hours before he received medical attention, at which point the damage had been done.

Forbes

I'm by no means suggesting that every time we get onto a plane we must represent the best version of ourselves, without consideration of moods or the nuance of our own experience.

Huffington Post

That passenger's vigilance ultimately stopped a gun from getting onto the plane.

Huffington Post

But what I do find disturbing is how this new system vastly enhances the odds that I will leave behind a personal article before getting onto the plane.

The New York Times - Travel

Getting onto the plane itself can seem to be an accomplishment, given the lack of audible announcements, working signboards or uniformed employees with knowledge of just how long the inevitable delay will last.

The New York Times

Get on a plane.

Forbes

So get on a plane.

TechCrunch

So she got on a plane.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "getting onto a plane" when describing the specific action of boarding an aircraft, especially when emphasizing the process or difficulty of doing so. For a more general statement about air travel, consider "boarding a plane" or "taking a flight".

Common error

Avoid using "getting onto a plane" when the context requires a more concise or formal term like "boarding" or "embarking". The phrase is descriptive but can sometimes be less efficient in formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting onto a plane" functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adverbial modifier describing the action of boarding an aircraft. Ludwig shows it describes a specific action within a broader context of traveling.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting onto a plane" is a grammatically correct and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes the action of boarding an aircraft. According to Ludwig, while it is acceptable in many contexts, more concise alternatives such as "boarding a plane" or "taking a flight" may be preferable in formal writing. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media sources, reflecting its general usability. It is important to note that "getting onto a plane" emphasizes the physical act of boarding, rather than the overall experience of air travel.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boarding a plane

This alternative is more concise and commonly used in formal contexts.

embarking on a plane

This alternative sounds slightly more formal and emphasizes the beginning of a journey.

entering an airplane

This alternative is more descriptive, focusing on the physical act of entering the aircraft.

stepping onto a plane

This alternative emphasizes the physical action of stepping onto the aircraft.

entering the aircraft

This alternative is a more formal synonym for "entering the plane".

going aboard a plane

This alternative uses nautical terminology, implying the act of boarding.

accessing the plane

This alternative focuses on the act of gaining access to the aircraft.

being admitted to the plane

This alternative suggests a formal process of being allowed onto the aircraft.

gaining entry to the plane

This alternative emphasizes overcoming a barrier to board the aircraft.

taking a flight

This alternative focuses on the overall experience of flying rather than just boarding.

FAQs

What does "getting onto a plane" mean?

The phrase "getting onto a plane" refers to the action of boarding an aircraft, preparing to travel by air.

Is "getting onto a plane" different from "boarding a plane"?

While similar, "getting onto a plane" emphasizes the act of boarding, whereas "boarding a plane" is a more general term for the process.

When should I use "getting onto a plane" instead of "taking a flight"?

"Getting onto a plane" focuses on the physical action of boarding. "Taking a flight" refers to the entire experience of air travel.

What are some alternatives to "getting onto a plane"?

Alternatives include "boarding a plane", "embarking on a plane", or simply "taking a flight", depending on the context.