What are the definitions of “get on to”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Start to suspect.
It took the authorities a long time to GET ON TO the gang.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get on to”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb get on to is to start to suspect or become aware of something. It is often used when someone begins to understand or realize something that was previously hidden or not clear.
What are the different verb forms of “get on to”?
| Root Verb | get on to |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets on to |
| Present Participle | getting on to |
| Simple Past | got on to |
| Past Participle | gotten on to |
Example
The police finally got on to the thief's plan.
Example
She gets on to the truth after a long investigation.
Example
He is getting on to the fact that his friend lied to him.
Example
Yesterday, they got on to the fact that the data was manipulated.
Example
The detective had gotten on to the suspect's trail.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get on to”?
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 to” 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
The teacher got on to the students who were cheating.
Example
She got on to the fact that he was lying.
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 to” 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
The teacher got on to the students who were cheating.
Example
She got on to the fact that he was lying.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “get on to”?
Good things to know
Does “get on to” have an informal or formal tone?
Get on to is a phrasal verb that is neutral in formality. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is more commonly used in informal speech and less frequently in formal writing.
