Differences between get off and get on
Get off usually means to leave a vehicle or a mode of transportation, whereas get on generally means to board a vehicle or a mode of transportation.
Meanings and Definitions: get off vs get on
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Get off
- 1Escape punishment.
He GOT OFF on a technicality and left the court a free man.
- 2Leave a bus, train, etc..
We GOT OFF the bus and walked to my house.
- 3Finish, leave work.
I like to GET OFF early on Fridays.
- 4Start a journey.
We need to GET OFF early to avoid the rush hour traffic.
- 5Help a baby or child sleep.
I can't GET the kids OFF because of the noise from next door.
- 6Orgasm, have sex.
We GOT OFF last night.
- 7Manage to fire a gun.
She GOT OFF a few shots before she was arrested.
- 8Stop talking on the phone.
Let me know when he GETS OFF the phone as I need to make a call.
- 9Write or send letters, messages, etc.
I GOT three emails OFF before the meeting.
- 10Say or write something funny.
She GOT OFF some jokes at the start of her presentation.
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 off, get on in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
get off
Example
I always get off the bus at the park.
Example
She gets off the train at the city center.
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 off
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on
To get on a vehicle or a mode of transportation.
Example
They boarded the plane and found their seats.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Differences in get off vs get on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get off or get on?
In daily conversation, people use get on more often than get off. This is because get on is used when we're talking about boarding a bus, train, or plane, which is a more common occurrence than leaving one. Get off is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about leaving a vehicle or a mode of transportation. So, while both phrases are used, get on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get off and get on
Get off 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 off and get on
The tone of get off and get on can differ based on context. Get off often carries a sense of relief or accomplishment when related to leaving a vehicle or a mode of transportation, while get on typically has a sense of anticipation or excitement, especially when referring to boarding a plane or a train.
