Phrasal verbs "get on" vs "get off"

Differences between get on and get off

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 on vs get off

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

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.

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.

Usage Examples: get on, get off in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

get on

Example

I need to get on with my homework.

Example

She gets on with her tasks without any complaints.

get off

Example

I always get off the bus at the park.

Example

She gets off the train at the city center.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on

To quickly board a vehicle or mode of transportation.

Example

We need to hop on the train before it leaves the station.

start up

To begin a new project or activity.

Example

He decided to start up his own business after years of working for others.

To begin a new journey or adventure.

Example

They decided to embark on a backpacking trip across Europe for their summer vacation.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get off

To leave a place or situation briefly.

Example

I need to step out of the meeting for a moment to take an important call.

To leave a building or a room.

Example

Please exit the theater in an orderly fashion after the movie ends.

To leave a ship or an aircraft after a journey.

Example

Passengers are requested to disembark the plane once it reaches the gate.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

Phrasal Verbs with “off”

Differences in get on vs get off: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: get on or get off?

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 vehicle or starting something. Get off is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about leaving something. So, while both phrases are used, get on is more common in everyday conversation.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get on and get off

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 on and get off

The tone of get off and get on can differ based on context. Get off often carries a sense of urgency or frustration when related to leaving a place or situation, while get on typically has a positive and excited tone, especially when referring to starting a new activity or journey.

get on & get off: Synonyms and Antonyms

Get on

Synonyms

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