Differences between get to and get onto
Get onto usually means to climb or board a vehicle or platform, whereas get to generally means to arrive at a destination or to start doing something.
Meanings and Definitions: get to vs get onto
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Get to
- 1Annoy, irritate.
Don't let her GET TO you; she's just in a bad mood.
- 2Arrive.
When I GET TO it, I'll look at the matter carefully.
- 3Start discussing a topic.
We asked him to GET TO the point, but he just waffled away.
- 4Have the opportunity to do something.
Last June I GOT TO visit Stonehenge.
Get onto
- 1Start discussing a topic.
We didn't GET ONTO the third item on the agenda.
- 2Be elected, appointed.
He didn't GET ONTO the committee.
- 3Appear on the radio or TV.
He GOT ONTO every major channel after the accident.
- 4Contact someone because you need or want them to do something.
We'd better GET ONTO someone to fix this.
- 5Enter a plane, train, etc.
She GOT ONTO the plane just before it took off.
Usage Examples: get to, get onto in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
get to
Example
I will get to the office by 9 am.
Example
She always gets to work early.
get onto
Example
Let's get onto the next topic of our meeting.
Example
She always gets onto the main point quickly in her presentations.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get to
To start doing something.
Example
Let's begin our meeting by reviewing the agenda.
To arrive at a particular point or level in a process or activity.
Example
After months of hard work, she finally reached her fitness goals.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Get onto
To climb or ascend onto a platform or elevated surface.
Example
He had to mount the ladder to change the light bulb in the ceiling.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “get”
Phrasal Verbs with “to”
Phrasal Verbs with “onto”
Differences in get to vs get onto: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: get to or get onto?
In daily conversation, people use get to more often than get onto. This is because get to is used for more common situations such as arriving at a place or starting a task. Get onto is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about boarding a vehicle or platform. So, while both phrases are used, get to is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of get to and get onto
Get onto and get to 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 to and get onto
The tone of get onto and get to can differ based on context. Get onto often carries a physical or active tone when related to climbing or boarding, while get to typically has a more relaxed and passive tone, especially when referring to arriving at a destination or starting a task.
