What are the definitions of “get on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 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.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get on”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get on is to continue doing something or to make progress. For example, it can mean continuing with your work, progressing in your studies, or moving forward with a task.
What are the different verb forms of “get on”?
| Root Verb | get on |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets on |
| Present Participle | getting on |
| Simple Past | got on |
| Past Participle | gotten on |
Example
I need to get on with my homework.
Example
She gets on with her tasks without any complaints.
Example
He is getting on with his project.
Example
Yesterday, they got on with the cleaning.
Example
The work has gotten on well.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get on”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“get on” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
I must get on; I have other things to do this evening.
Example
He's getting on now and doesn't work so hard.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“get on” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
I must get on; I have other things to do this evening.
Example
He's getting on now and doesn't work so hard.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get on”?
Good things to know
Does “get on” have an informal or formal tone?
Get on is a neutral phrasal verb. It is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in formal writing, it might be more appropriate to use synonyms such as 'progress', 'continue', or 'proceed'.
