Differences between get in and get on
Get in usually means to enter a vehicle or a place, while get on generally means to board a mode of transportation or to start doing something.
Meanings and Definitions: get in vs get on
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Get in
- 1Arrange for someone to do a job in your home, workplace, etc.
The air conditioning has broken down; we'll have to GET a technician IN to fix it.
- 2Arrive ( train, plane, etc. ).
Her plane GETS IN at 2am our time.
- 3Arrive home.
She didn't GET IN till well after twelve o'clock because she'd been out for a few drinks with her mates.
- 4Enter a car or taxi.
The taxi pulled up and we GOT IN.
- 5Buy or obtain supplies, like food.
We need to GET some coffee IN; we're completely out.
- 6Arrive at work, school, home.
I GOT IN late today because the train broke down.
- 7Enter a building or place.
I borrowed her pass to GET IN.
- 8Be elected.
The government GOT IN with a very small majority.
- 9Manage to say or do.
I couldn't GET a word IN throughout the meeting.
- 10Be admitted to a university, club, etc.
He did badly in the entrance exam and didn't GET IN.
- 11Bring inside a place.
It's raining; I'd better GET the washing IN.
- 12Submit, apply.
We have to GET the forms IN by the end of this week.
- 13Pay for drinks.
He GOT the drinks IN.
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 in, get on in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
get in
Example
I always get in the car from the passenger side.
Example
She gets in the taxi and goes to the airport.
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 in
To go or come into a place.
Example
He entered the building and greeted the receptionist.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on
To start or commence an action or process.
Example
Let's begin the meeting by reviewing the agenda.
take up
To start or begin a new hobby or activity.
Example
She decided to take up painting as a way to relax and express herself.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “on”
Differences in get in vs get on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get in or get on?
In daily conversation, people use get on more often than get in. This is because get on is used for more daily tasks and routines such as getting on a bus or starting a task. Get in is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about entering a vehicle or a place. So, while both phrases are used, get on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get in and get on
Get in 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 in and get on
The tone of get in and get on can differ based on context. Get in often carries a practical or urgent tone when related to entering a vehicle or a place, while get on typically has a more relaxed and positive tone, especially when referring to starting a task or activity.
