Differences between get on and get onto
Get on usually means to enter a vehicle or to have a good relationship with someone, whereas get onto generally means to start doing something or to climb onto something.
Meanings and Definitions: get on vs get onto
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 onto
- 1Start discussing a topic.
We didn't GET ONTO the third item on the agenda.
- 2Be elected, appointed.
He didn't GET ONTO the committee.
- 3Appear on the radio or TV.
He GOT ONTO every major channel after the accident.
- 4Contact someone because you need or want them to do something.
We'd better GET ONTO someone to fix this.
- 5Enter a plane, train, etc.
She GOT ONTO the plane just before it took off.
Usage Examples: get on, get onto 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 onto
Example
Let's get onto the next topic of our meeting.
Example
She always gets onto the main point quickly in her presentations.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on
To enter a vehicle such as a plane, train, or ship.
Example
We need to board the plane now if we want to make it to our destination on time.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get onto
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “onto”
Differences in get on vs get onto: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get on or get onto?
In daily conversation, people use get on more often than get onto. This is because get on is used for more common situations such as getting on a bus or train or having a good relationship with someone. Get onto is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about starting to do something or climbing onto 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 onto
Get on and get onto 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 onto
The tone of get on and get onto can differ based on context. Get on often carries a positive or neutral tone when related to relationships or transportation, while get onto typically has a more active or urgent tone, especially when referring to starting a task or climbing onto something.
