Differences between get on and go on
Get on usually means to board a vehicle or to have a good relationship with someone, whereas go on generally means to continue doing something or to happen.
Meanings and Definitions: get on vs go on
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.
Go on
- 1Continue.
He WENT ON and ON talking and I was so bored.
- 2Happen.
There are loads of people out in the street; what's GOING ON?
- 3Start doing or taking something.
She WENT ON the pill when she met him.
- 4Be guided.
The investigators have no clues to GO ON.
- 5Be nearly a certain period of time.
It's GOING ON ten years since we met.
- 6Progress.
They asked me how the project was GOING ON.
- 7Spend money.
Most of my salary GOES ON my mortgage repayments.
- 8Start working ( electric / electronic equipment ).
The alarm GOES ON when you close the front door.
Usage Examples: get on, go on 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.
go on
Example
Please go on with your story, I'm listening.
Example
She goes on about her problems all the time.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on
To get on a vehicle or a mode of transportation.
Example
We need to board the train before it leaves the station.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Go on
To keep doing something or to proceed with an action or activity.
Example
She decided to continue studying for her exams despite feeling tired.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “go”
Differences in get on vs go on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get on or go on?
In daily conversation, people use go on more often than get on. This is because go on is used for more common situations such as continuing a conversation or an activity. Get on is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about boarding a vehicle or having a good relationship with someone. So, while both phrases are used, go on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get on and go on
Get on and go 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 go on
The tone of get on and go on can differ based on context. Get on often carries a positive or neutral tone when related to boarding a vehicle or having a good relationship with someone, while go on typically has a neutral or slightly negative tone, especially when referring to something that continues for too long or is repetitive.
