Phrasal verbs "catch on" vs "get on"

Differences between catch on and get on

Catch on means to understand or learn something, especially a new idea or concept, while get on means to have a good relationship with someone or to make progress in a task or activity.

Meanings and Definitions: catch on vs get on

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Catch on

• 1. Become popular.

  Many critics were shocked when techno CAUGHT ON in the clubs.

• 2. Finally understand what is going on.

  Everyone else realised what was happening, but it took Henry ages to CATCH ON.

Get on

• 1. Continue doing something.

  The teacher asked the pupils to GET ON with some work quietly as she had to leave the classroom.

• 2. Enter a bus, train, plane, etc..

  We GOT ON the train at Plymouth and went up to London.

• 3. Make progress, deal with something with a reasonable degree of success.

  How are you GETTING ON with your Spanish lessons?

• 4. Have a good relationship.

  We have always GOT ON well.

• 5. Become old, age.

  He's GETTING ON now and doesn't work so hard.

• 6. Be late or near an arranged time.

  I must get home now; it's GETTING ON.

• 7. Wear, fit.

  I have put so much weight on that I couldn't GET my old suits ON.

• 8. Leave.

  I must be GETTING ON; I have other things to do this evening.

Usage Examples: catch on, get on in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

catch on

Example

I hope this new fashion trend catches on soon.

Example

The new dance craze catches on quickly among teenagers.

get on

Example

I need to get on with my homework.

Example

She gets on with her tasks without any complaints.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Catch on

grasp the idea

To understand or comprehend a specific idea or concept.

Example

It took her a while to grasp the idea of how to use the new software program.

get the picture

To understand or comprehend a situation or idea.

Example

After explaining the plan, he finally got the picture and agreed to join the team.

click with

To understand or connect with someone or something on a personal level.

Example

She immediately clicked with her new roommate and they became close friends.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on

get along with

To have a good relationship with someone.

Example

He always gets along with his coworkers and enjoys working with them.

make progress

To move forward or advance in a task or activity.

Example

After practicing for weeks, she finally made progress in her yoga practice and could do a headstand.

keep up with

To maintain the same pace or level as someone or something.

Example

She struggled to keep up with the fast-paced conversation in the meeting but managed to contribute some ideas.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “catch”

• catch out
• catch up on
• catch up in
• catch at
• catch up

Phrasal Verbs with “get”

• get round ( around ) to
• get on for
• get off!
• get it off with
• get on with

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

• roll on!
• tell on
• spring on
• chew on
• trade on

Differences in catch on vs get on: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: catch on or get on?

In daily conversation, people use get on more often than catch on. This is because get on is used for a wider range of situations such as relationships, work, and hobbies. Catch on is less common but still used in everyday conversations.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of catch on and get on

Catch on and get on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of catch on and get on

The tone of catch on and get on can differ based on context. Catch on often carries a positive or excited tone when related to understanding or learning something new, while get on typically has a neutral or positive tone, especially when referring to relationships or making progress in a task.

catch on & get on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Catch on

Synonyms

• spread
• understand
• realize
• grasp
• comprehend
• become popular
• gain popularity

Antonyms

• fade
• misunderstand
• overlook
• ignore
• lose popularity
• decline

Get on

Synonyms

• progress
• continue
• advance
• proceed
• pursue
• carry on
• go ahead
• move forward
• press on
• forge ahead

Antonyms

• stop
• halt
• cease
• discontinue
• pause
• break
• quit
• end
• give up
• terminate