What are the definitions of “get on at”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Criticise unfairly.
He's always GETTING ON AT me when I haven't done anything wrong.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get on at”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get on at is to criticize someone unfairly or nag them. For example, it can mean blaming someone for something they didn't do, or constantly reminding someone about something they need to do.
What are the different verb forms of “get on at”?
| Root Verb | get on at |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets on at |
| Present Participle | getting on at |
| Simple Past | got on at |
| Past Participle | gotten on at |
Example
My mother always gets on at me to clean my room.
Example
She gets on at her husband for not helping with the housework.
Example
He is always getting on at his team for not working hard enough.
Example
Yesterday, the teacher got on at the students for not doing their homework.
Example
I have gotten on at him many times for not cleaning up after himself.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get on at”?
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.)
Transitive verb
“get on at” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She got on at her son for not doing his chores.
Example
He got on at his employees for not meeting the deadline.
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 at” 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
She got on at her son for not doing his chores.
Example
He got on at his employees for not meeting the deadline.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get on at”?
Good things to know
Does “get on at” have an informal or formal tone?
Get on at is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversation rather than in formal writing or professional settings. It is often used in the context of personal relationships, such as between family members or friends.
