Phrasal verbs "get on" vs "work on"

Differences between get on and work on

Get on usually means to board a vehicle or to make progress with something, whereas work on generally means to focus on a task or project and make an effort to improve it.

Meanings and Definitions: get on vs work 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.

Work on

  • 1Improve or develop.

    Scientists are WORKING ON genetically modified crops and foods.

Usage Examples: get on, work 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.

work on

Example

She needs to work on her presentation skills.

Example

He works on his painting every day.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get on

To quickly board a vehicle or mode of transportation.

Example

We need to hop on the train before it leaves the station.

To make progress or move forward with a task or project.

Example

After weeks of hard work, they finally started to make headway on the new marketing campaign.

To continue making progress or moving forward with a task or project.

Example

Even though it's been tough, we need to keep going and finish the project on time.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Work on

To concentrate on a specific task or project and give it one's full attention.

Example

We need to focus on improving our customer service to retain more clients.

To invest time and energy into a task or project to improve its quality or outcome.

Example

She decided to put more effort into her studies to get better grades.

To approach a task or problem with determination and effort to solve it.

Example

He knew it would be challenging, but he was ready to tackle the difficult project ahead.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “on”

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

Frequency in Daily Use: get on or work on?

In daily conversation, people use get on more often than work on. This is because get on is used for more daily tasks and routines such as getting on a bus or train. Work on is not used as much in everyday conversation. It's mainly used when we're talking about making progress on a project or task. So, while both phrases are used, get on is more common in everyday conversation.

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

Get on and work 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 work on

The tone of get on and work on can differ based on context. Get on often carries a practical or urgent tone when related to boarding a vehicle or making progress, while work on typically has a focused and determined tone, especially when referring to improving a project or task.

get on & work on: Synonyms and Antonyms

Get on

Synonyms

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