Differences between get at and get on
Get at usually means to imply or suggest something indirectly, while get on generally means to make progress or continue doing something.
Meanings and Definitions: get at vs get on
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Get at
- 1Criticise.
His boss is always GETTING AT him for arriving late.
- 2Mean
What do you think she's GETTING AT? I've no idea what she wants.
- 3Be able to reach, find, access.
It's on the top shelf and I can't GET AT it.
- 4Use threats, payments, bribes, etc, to affect someone's testimony or decision.
The gangsters GOT AT the jury, who found them not guilty of all charges despite the evidence presented in court.
Get on
- 1Continue doing something.
The teacher asked the pupils to GET ON with some work quietly as she had to leave the classroom.
- 2Enter a bus, train, plane, etc..
We GOT ON the train at Plymouth and went up to London.
- 3Make progress, deal with something with a reasonable degree of success.
How are you GETTING ON with your Spanish lessons?
- 4Have a good relationship.
We have always GOT ON well.
- 5Become old, age.
He's GETTING ON now and doesn't work so hard.
- 6Be late or near an arranged time.
I must get home now; it's GETTING ON.
- 7Wear, fit.
I have put so much weight on that I couldn't GET my old suits ON.
- 8Leave.
I must be GETTING ON; I have other things to do this evening.
Usage Examples: get at, get on in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
get at
Example
His boss is always getting at him for arriving late.
Example
She gets at her brother for not doing his chores.
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 Get at
To suggest or indicate something without explicitly stating it.
Example
His tone of voice implied that he was not happy with the situation.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Differences in get at vs get on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get at or get on?
In daily conversation, people use get on more often than get at. This is because get on is used for more daily tasks and routines such as working or studying. Get at is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about implying something indirectly. So, while both phrases are used, get on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get at and get on
Get at 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 get at and get on
The tone of get at and get on can differ based on context. Get at often carries a suspicious or accusatory tone when related to implying something indirectly, while get on typically has a positive and productive tone, especially when referring to making progress or continuing an activity.
