get on
phrasal verb·6 senses·particle on
Meanings
Board a bus, train or plane
Why “on”? Something touches, grips, or sticks to a surface.
“Maya got on the morning bus for work.”
“Tourists got on the ferry at the harbour.”
“Passengers were getting on at every stop.”
“Maya and Leo got on the train at platform six for their weekend trip.”
Have a good relationship
Why “on”? People or animals have a friendly relationship and feel comfortable together.
“They get on very well together.”
“At first my sisters argued, but now they get on well.”
“The new puppy gets on very well with the cat.”
Make progress with a task
Why “on”? An action, event, state, or path continues or moves to a later point.
“How are you getting on with that project?”
“Despite the rain, they are getting on with the roof repairs.”
“We need to get on with the painting before lunch.”
Manage to dress yourself in
Why “on”? Clothing touches the body and covers its surface.
“It took ages to get my wetsuit on.”
“Can you get this helmet on by yourself?”
Be growing old
“He's getting on a bit now.”
“Grandpa is getting on, so he walks more slowly.”
Continue with a task without delay
“Let me get on with my work.”
“The class stopped talking and got on with the test.”
Memory hook
You climb on board, or you move on well together.
Common mistake
I get on well my boss.
I get on well with my boss.
Get on (have a good relationship) needs with before the person.
Natural collocations
The word partners “get on” most often appears with — learn the phrase, not just the verb.
Don't confuse with
Get on means board a bus, train or plane. Get in means enter a car or building.
Test yourself
“Maya got on the morning bus for work.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
get in
A contrast learners often mix up
Enter a car or building; Arrive at a destination; Be accepted to a school or team; Buy a supply of something; Win an election
bring on
Same on pattern: continuation
Cause something, especially an illness or feeling, to start; Help someone or something develop or improve
carry on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue doing something; Behave in a silly, loud or annoying way; Have a romantic affair, often secretly
catch on
Same on pattern: continuation
Become popular or fashionable; Begin to understand something
come on
Same on pattern: continuation
Used to encourage, hurry or challenge someone; Begin to develop, especially an illness or weather; Start working or be turned on; Make progress or improve; Show romantic or sexual interest in someone, often in a direct way; Be broadcast on television or radio
crack on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue working hard, often after a break
drag on
Same on pattern: continuation
Continue for too long in a tedious way
drone on
Same on pattern: continuation
Talk for a long time in a boring, monotonous voice
Tell it apart
Side-by-side comparisons with the verbs learners most often confuse for “get on”.
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