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Phrasal verbs "get after" vs "get on to"

Differences between get after and get on to

Get after usually means to scold or criticize someone for not doing something they were supposed to do, whereas get on to generally means to start doing something or to begin a task.

Meanings and Definitions: get after vs get on to

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Get after

  • 1Nag or exhort someone.

    You should GET AFTER them to finish the work.

  • 2Chase.

    GET AFTER her and give her the message before she leaves the building.

Get on to

  • 1Start to suspect.

    It took the authorities a long time to GET ON TO the gang.

Usage Examples: get after, get on to in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

get after

Example

I always get after my kids to clean their rooms.

Example

She gets after her students to finish their homework.

get on to

Example

The police finally got on to the thief's plan.

Example

She gets on to the truth after a long investigation.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get after

chew out

To scold or reprimand someone harshly for doing something wrong or not doing something they were supposed to do.

Example

The coach chewed out the players for not following the game plan.

call out

To criticize or reprimand someone publicly for doing something wrong or not doing something they were supposed to do.

Example

The teacher called out the student for cheating on the exam in front of the whole class.

give a piece of one's mind

To express one's anger or disapproval towards someone for doing something wrong or not doing something they were supposed to do.

Example

She gave him a piece of her mind for forgetting their anniversary.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on to

get started

To begin doing something or to start a task or project.

Example

Let's get started on the project before the deadline approaches.

dive into

To start doing something enthusiastically or with great energy.

Example

She dived into the new job and learned everything quickly.

take up

To start doing a new activity or hobby.

Example

He decided to take up painting as a way to relax after work.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “after”

Differences in get after vs get on to: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: get after or get on to?

In daily conversation, people use get on to more often than get after. This is because get on to is used for more positive actions such as starting a project or getting things done. Get after is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about reprimanding someone for not doing something they were supposed to do. So, while both phrases are used, get on to is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get after and get on to

Get after and get on to 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 get after and get on to

The tone of get after and get on to can differ based on context. Get after often carries a negative or critical tone when related to reprimanding someone, while get on to typically has a positive and encouraging tone, especially when referring to starting a task or project.

get after & get on to: Synonyms and Antonyms

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