Differences between get on and sit on
Get on usually means to board a vehicle or to make progress with something, whereas sit on generally means to physically sit on something.
Meanings and Definitions: get on vs sit 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.
Sit on
- 1Be on a committee.
She's SAT ON the finance committee from the beginning.
- 2To handle somebody firmly who behaves impertinently, conceitedly.
If his girlfriend finds out, she'll get mad and SIT ON him.
- 3Hold information back or keep it secret.
The government have been SITTING ON the report because it was so critical.
Usage Examples: get on, sit 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.
sit on
Example
She sits on the school board to help make decisions for the students.
Example
He sits on the neighborhood association to improve the community.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Sit on
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “sit”
Phrasal Verbs with “on”
Differences in get on vs sit on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get on or sit on?
In daily conversation, people use get on more often than sit on. This is because get on is used for more daily tasks and routines such as getting on a bus or train. Sit on is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about physically sitting on something like a chair or a couch. So, while both phrases are used, get on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get on and sit on
Get on and sit 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 sit on
The tone of get on and sit on can differ based on context. Get on often carries a practical or determined tone when related to boarding a vehicle or making progress with something, while sit on typically has a relaxed and comfortable tone, especially when referring to physically sitting on furniture.
