Differences between get on and get over
Get on usually means to board a vehicle or to have a good relationship with someone, whereas get over generally means to recover from an emotional or physical setback.
Meanings and Definitions: get on vs get over
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 over
- 1Recover from something, feel better.
It took me ages to GET OVER the bout of flu.
- 2Solve, find a solution.
It took us a long time to GET OVER the problems with the computer system.
- 3Communicate, make people understand.
He makes jokes to help GET his message OVER.
- 4Be shocked or surprised that something if real or true.
I couldn't GET OVER how much weight he had put on.
- 5Get to the other side.
We couldn't GET OVER the river because of the floods.
- 6Come somewhere.
He said he needed help and ask me to GET OVER as soon as I could.
Usage Examples: get on, get over 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 over
Example
I need to get over my fear of public speaking.
Example
She quickly gets over any disappointment.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on
To enter a vehicle or mode of transportation.
Example
We need to hurry up and board the plane before it takes off.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get over
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “over”
- sit over
- wash over
- bowl over
- lord it over
- check over
Differences in get on vs get over: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get on or get over?
In daily conversation, people use get on more often than get over. This is because get on is used for more routine activities such as getting on a bus or train or getting along with someone. Get over is used less frequently and is mainly used when we're talking about overcoming a challenge or difficulty. So, while both phrases are used, get on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get on and get over
Get on and get over 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 over
The tone of get on and get over can differ based on context. Get on often carries a positive or neutral tone when related to boarding transportation or having a good relationship with someone, while get over typically has a more serious or emotional tone, especially when referring to recovering from a setback or loss.