Differences between get ahead of and get on to
Get ahead of means to be more successful or make progress faster than others, while get on to means to start doing something or to move on to a new topic or task.
Meanings and Definitions: get ahead of vs get on to
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Get ahead of
- 1Move in front of.
I work at home in the evening to GET AHEAD OF schedule.
Get on to
- 1Start to suspect.
It took the authorities a long time to GET ON TO the gang.
Usage Examples: get ahead of, get on to in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
get ahead of
Example
She tries to get ahead of her work to have more free time on weekends.
Example
He gets ahead of his classmates by studying extra hours.
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 ahead of
To do better than someone else or to surpass their achievements.
Example
She always tries to outdo her colleagues by taking on more responsibilities and achieving higher targets.
To be exceptionally good at something or to perform better than others.
Example
He has always been able to excel in sports and academics, earning him numerous awards and scholarships.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on to
switch to
To change from one thing to another, especially when it comes to topics or tasks.
Example
Let's switch to discussing the budget now that we've covered all the other topics on the agenda.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “on to”
Differences in get ahead of vs get on to: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get ahead of or get on to?
In daily conversation, people use get on to more often than get ahead of. This is because get on to is used for a variety of situations such as changing the subject, starting a new task, or getting in touch with someone. Get ahead of is not used as much and is more specific to situations where someone is trying to be more successful than others. So, while both phrases are used, get on to is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get ahead of and get on to
Get ahead of 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 ahead of and get on to
The tone of get ahead of and get on to can differ based on context. Get ahead of often carries a competitive or ambitious tone when related to success or achievement, while get on to typically has a practical and proactive tone, especially when referring to starting a new task or topic.