What are the definitions of “get it on”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Become interested or excited.
The talk was dull and nobody GOT IT ON.
- 2Have sex.
Did you two GET IT ON?
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “get it on”?
The phrasal verb get it on is most commonly used to refer to two people engaging in sexual activity. It is a casual and somewhat playful way to talk about sex. For example, a friend might ask another, 'Did you two get it on?' when inquiring about a romantic encounter. It's important to note that this phrase is quite informal and should be used carefully, as it can be considered inappropriate in many contexts.
What are the different verb forms of “get it on”?
| Root Verb | get it on |
| Third Person Singular Present | gets it on |
| Present Participle | getting it on |
| Simple Past | got it on |
| Past Participle | gotten it on |
Example
They decided to get it on after their date.
Example
He often gets it on with his girlfriend.
Example
They were getting it on when we walked in.
Example
They got it on last night.
Example
They had gotten it on before we arrived.
What kind of phrasal verb is “get it 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 it 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
They got it on after the party.
Example
She gets it on with her boyfriend regularly.
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 it 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
They got it on after the party.
Example
She gets it on with her boyfriend regularly.
Good things to know
Does “get it on” have an informal or formal tone?
Get it on is a very informal phrase. It is often used in casual conversations among friends or in certain types of media, such as movies or songs. It is not appropriate for formal or professional situations. For example, it would not be suitable to use this phrase in a business meeting or in a formal letter.
