Phrasal verbs "get on" vs "set on"

Differences between get on and set on

Get on usually means to board a vehicle or to have a good relationship with someone, whereas set on generally means to start doing something with determination or to attack someone.

Meanings and Definitions: get on vs set 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.

Set on

  • 1Attack.

    He was SET ON when he left the bar.

Usage Examples: get on, set 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.

set on

Example

The dog set on the intruder.

Example

The cat sets on the mouse.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on

To have a good relationship or connection with someone.

Example

They met at the party and immediately hit it off, talking for hours.

To get on a vehicle or aircraft.

Example

We need to board the plane now before they close the gate.

To spend time with someone and update each other on recent events.

Example

I haven't seen my friend in months, so we decided to catch up with each other over coffee.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Set on

To have a strong intention or resolve to do something.

Example

She was determined to finish the project by the end of the week, no matter what.

To begin something with energy or enthusiasm.

Example

He started off the race with a burst of speed, leaving his competitors behind.

To pursue or chase someone or something with the intent of catching or achieving it.

Example

He went after his dream job and finally landed it after months of hard work.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “set”

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: get on or set on?

In daily conversation, people use get on more often than set on. This is because get on is used for more daily tasks and routines such as getting on a bus or train or having a good relationship with someone. Set on is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about starting something with determination or attacking someone. So, while both phrases are used, get on is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Get on and set 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 set on

The tone of get on and set on can differ based on context. Get on often carries a friendly or positive tone when related to relationships or boarding a vehicle, while set on typically has a determined or aggressive tone, especially when referring to starting something or attacking someone.

get on & set on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Get on

Synonyms

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