got on well

USAGE SUMMARY

"got on well" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to mean that two or more people communicated in a positive manner. For example, "At the dinner last night, my boss and I got on well and enjoyed each other's company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nevertheless, the pair got on well, with one exception.

The Guardian - Books

We got on well from day one.

The Guardian - Sport

They got on well.

The Guardian

We got on well.

The New York Times

Sometimes we got on well.

The New Yorker

Everyone got on well.

The New Yorker

They got on well together.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But we got on well".

The Guardian - Film

We always got on well.

The Guardian - Sport

The two men never got on well.

The Washington Post

We got on well, we judges.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "got on well" to describe relationships where communication and interaction are positive and harmonious. It implies a sense of ease and mutual understanding.

Common error

Avoid using "got on well" when describing purely professional or transactional relationships. While politeness may be present, the phrase implies a more personal connection and mutual enjoyment, not simply efficient collaboration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "got on well" functions as a phrasal verb indicating a positive relationship or interaction between two or more entities. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It describes the quality of the relationship, emphasizing harmony and ease.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

13%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "got on well" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes positive and harmonious relationships. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application across diverse contexts. While predominantly found in News & Media, it also appears in academic settings, indicating its versatility. For more formal or professional settings, consider alternatives like "established a positive relationship". When you want to emphasize collaboration rather than a personal connection, consider "worked well together" instead.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a good rapport

This alternative emphasizes a harmonious connection and mutual understanding between individuals.

enjoyed each other's company

This alternative highlights the pleasure and positive feelings associated with spending time together.

established a positive relationship

This alternative focuses on the creation and maintenance of a favorable connection over time.

were compatible

This alternative stresses the natural fit and ease of interaction between individuals.

developed a friendly dynamic

This alternative emphasizes the evolution of a pleasant and amicable interaction pattern.

clicked

This alternative is a more informal way of saying that people immediately formed a connection.

harmonized well

This alternative highlights the smooth and agreeable nature of the interaction.

found common ground

This alternative suggests that people discovered shared interests or beliefs that facilitated their connection.

gelled

A slang term that means to come together and work well.

saw eye to eye

This alternative implies a mutual agreement and understanding of perspectives.

FAQs

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

You can use "got on well" to describe positive relationships. For example, "Despite their differences, they "got on well" during the project".

What are some alternatives to "got on well"?

Alternatives include "had a good rapport", "enjoyed each other's company", or "were compatible", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "got on well" in formal writing?

While "got on well" is widely understood, it's more suited to informal or neutral contexts. For formal writing, consider alternatives like "established a positive relationship" or "maintained a harmonious working environment."

What's the difference between "got on well" and "worked well together"?

"Got on well" emphasizes the personal connection and ease of interaction, while "worked well together" focuses on the productivity and effectiveness of collaboration. They can overlap, but highlight different aspects of a relationship.