Phrasal verbs "get into" vs "get on at"

Differences between get into and get on at

Get into usually means to enter or become involved in something, while get on at generally means to criticize or nag someone about something.

Meanings and Definitions: get into vs get on at

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Get into

  • 1Become involved or interested.

    She's been GETTING INTO dance music recently.

  • 2Become involved in something bad or criminal.

    He GOT INTO drugs when he was at university.

  • 3Be accepted or admitted.

    She did well and GOT INTO Cambridge University.

  • 4Become or be accepted as a member.

    He GOT INTO the first team for football.

  • 5Start a habit or way of acting or behaving.

    It took me ages to GET INTO driving on the left.

  • 6Be small enough to wear something.

    I couldn't GET INTO the boots; they were too tight.

  • 7Criticise.

    He GOT INTO me for doing it badly.

Get on at

  • 1Criticise unfairly.

    He's always GETTING ON AT me when I haven't done anything wrong.

Usage Examples: get into, get on at in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

get into

Example

She wants to get into photography as a hobby.

Example

He gets into trouble often at school.

get on at

Example

My mother always gets on at me to clean my room.

Example

She gets on at her husband for not helping with the housework.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get into

take up

To start doing a new activity or hobby.

Example

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

To enter or become involved in a new situation or role.

Example

After her boss retired, she was asked to step into the role of department manager.

To unintentionally become involved in a situation or habit.

Example

He fell into a routine of staying up late and sleeping in on weekends.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on at

To repeatedly complain or criticize someone about something.

Example

Her mother always nagged her about cleaning her room.

To unfairly criticize or tease someone repeatedly.

Example

The other kids in school used to pick on him for his glasses.

To repeatedly talk or complain about something in a negative way.

Example

Her boss always harped on about punctuality, even though she was never late.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “on at”

Differences in get into vs get on at: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: get into or get on at?

In daily conversation, people use get into more often than get on at. This is because get into is used for a wider range of situations such as getting into a car, getting into a new hobby, or getting into trouble. Get on at is not used as much and is more specific to situations where someone is being criticized or nagged. So, while both phrases are used, get into is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get into and get on at

Get into and get on at 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 into and get on at

The tone of get into and get on at can differ based on context. Get into often carries a positive or neutral tone when related to entering or becoming involved in something, while get on at typically has a negative or critical tone, especially when referring to nagging or criticizing someone.

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