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get on — 3 meanings

One phrase, 3 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb3 meanings
  1. 1 board transportto enter or go onto a form of transport such as a bus, train, plane, or bike.
  2. 2 make progressto make progress or continue doing something, especially work or a task.
  3. 3 have a good relationshipto have a friendly or harmonious relationship with someone; to interact well and without conflict.
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All meanings, in depth

Ordered by how often you'll hear each one — the meaning tells you what it does, the examples and tips show it in use.

1

board transport

B1get on sthMost common

to enter or go onto a form of transport such as a bus, train, plane, or bike.

We need to get on the bus before it leaves.

A: Quick, the train's about to go!
B: Let's get on now!

When I travel to work, I usually get on the subway at 8 a.m. because it's less crowded.

Common mistake

✗I got in the bus quickly.

✓I got on the bus quickly.

Use 'get on' for buses, trains and planes; 'get in' is for cars and taxis.

Tell it apart

Get on the train here.

board it

We get on really well.

have a good relationship
Use 'get on' for things like buses, trains, planes, bikes, and boats. Use 'get in' for cars and taxis.Contrast with 'get off' (to leave transport).

Often paired with

get on + transport
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2

make progress

B2get on with sthspoken

to make progress or continue doing something, especially work or a task.

I need to get on with my assignment if I want to finish it tonight.

A: Have you finished cleaning the kitchen?
B: Not yet, but I'm getting on with it.

In my opinion, it's important to get on with your studies even when you feel tired, because consistency leads to success.

Common mistake

✗Get on your work!

✓Get on with your work!

To mean 'carry on / make progress', you need 'get on WITH' the task.

Tell it apart

How are you getting on with the report?

progressing

How do you get on with your boss?

relationship
Often used with 'with' to talk about continuing a task: 'get on with your homework.'Not the same as 'get along' (have a good relationship).

Often paired with

get on (with)
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3

have a good relationship

C1get on with sbspoken

to have a friendly or harmonious relationship with someone; to interact well and without conflict.

I don't really get on with my neighbours, but we remain polite.

A: How's your new flatmate?
B: We get on surprisingly well, actually. No arguments so far.

In the workplace, being able to get on with colleagues is often considered as important as technical skills.

Common mistake

✗Do you get on good with your boss?

✓Do you get on well with your boss?

Use 'get on WELL' (adverb), not 'good'; and 'get on WITH someone'.

Tell it apart

They get on really well.

have a good relationship — BrE

They're getting on with the work.

making progress on it
'Get on (with someone)' is used to describe the quality of a relationship, especially in British and Australian English. It is neutral in register and suitable for both spoken and written contexts. It does not imply a close friendship, just that people interact well.This sense is figurative and refers to personal relationships, not to physically boarding transport (meaningOrder 1) or making progress with a task (meaningOrder 2).

Often paired with

get on (well) with
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board transportmake progresshave a good relationship