got on board

USAGE SUMMARY

"got on board" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when someone joins a team, group or activity. For example: "At the start of the project, three new members got on board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Industry got on board".

The New York Times

He got on board.

The Guardian

Then even the skeptics got on board.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's time we got on board.

The New York Times

What happened once Israeli forces got on board?

The New York Times

The vast majority of freshmen indeed got on board.

The New York Times

I was so relieved when I got on board.

The New York Times

They said their goodbyes and she got on board.

The New York Times

But right wing politicians and media got on board, too.

The Guardian - Opinion

As credit tightened, developers also got on board when they realized their new apartments weren't selling.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The BBC's Puneet Pal Singh got on-board the aircraft to get first-hand experience of its capabilities.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: if you're referring to literally boarding a vehicle, "got on" is sufficient. "Got on board" often implies more than just physical boarding; it suggests agreement or participation.

Common error

Avoid using "got on board" when you simply mean someone physically boarded a vehicle. Instead, reserve "got on board" for situations where someone is joining or supporting an initiative or idea.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got on board" functions as a phrasal verb, indicating entry and participation in a literal or figurative sense. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got on board" is a versatile phrasal verb indicating either the literal act of boarding a vehicle or, more commonly, the figurative act of joining a team, project, or supporting an idea. Ludwig AI affirms its widespread usage. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives might be preferred in some professional contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, and the provided examples highlight its diverse application across various domains. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and avoid misinterpretations between the literal and figurative meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

came aboard

A more formal synonym, less common in contemporary usage.

joined the team

Focuses on joining a team or group, omitting the physical aspect of boarding.

became involved

Highlights participation and involvement, less specific about the manner of joining.

became a member

Specifically refers to joining a group or organization as a member.

endorsed the idea

Emphasizes agreement and support for an idea or plan, rather than joining a physical entity.

signed up

Implies a formal registration or commitment, often for an activity or service.

enlisted in

Suggests joining a cause or organization, often with a sense of commitment or purpose.

bought into

Implies acceptance or belief in an idea or concept.

threw in with

Suggests joining forces or collaborating with others.

entered into

Focuses on starting a formal agreement or situation.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone "got on board"?

Saying someone "got on board" typically means they joined a team, project, or initiative and are now participating or supporting it. It implies agreement and involvement.

How can I use "got on board" in a sentence?

You can use "got on board" in a sentence like this: "After hearing the presentation, the CEO "became involved" and approved the project."

What are some alternatives to "got on board"?

Some alternatives to "got on board" include "joined the team", "became involved", or "endorsed the idea", depending on the specific context.

Is "got on board" formal or informal?

"Got on board" is generally considered informal. In more formal settings, consider using alternatives such as "came aboard" or "enlisted in".