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get on with — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 different jobs. Tap a meaning to jump to it — then lock each one in by saying it out loud.

phrasal verb2 meanings
  1. 1 have a good relationshipTo have a friendly or comfortable relationship with someone.
  2. 2 continue doingTo continue doing something, especially after being interrupted.
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1

have a good relationship

B1get on with personspokenMost common

To have a friendly or comfortable relationship with someone.

I really get on with my new flatmate; we have a lot in common.

A: Do you get on with your boss?
B: Yeah, she's actually really easy to talk to.

In my opinion, it's important to get on with your colleagues because it makes the workplace more enjoyable.

Common mistake

✗I get on my sister really well.

✓I get on with my sister really well.

Don't drop 'with'. (American English usually says 'get along with'.)

Tell it apart

I get on with my flatmate.

good relationship — BrE

Get on with your work!

continue / hurry up with a task
Use 'get on with' to talk about how well you and another person like each other or work together.Not the same as 'get along with' in American English, but the meaning is similar.

Often paired with

get on with + person
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2

continue doing

B2get on with sthspoken

To continue doing something, especially after being interrupted.

After the phone call, she got on with her homework.

A: Are you coming to lunch?
B: I can't, I need to get on with this report.

If I get distracted while studying, I try to quickly get on with my work so I don't waste time.

Common mistake

✗Stop chatting and get on the work.

✓Stop chatting and get on with the work.

'Get on WITH' a task = continue it. Don't drop 'with'.

Tell it apart

Let's just get on with the work.

continue / crack on with the task

I get on with my colleagues.

have a good relationship
Use 'get on with' when you want to say you are returning to or continuing a task.Different from 'get on' (enter a vehicle) or 'get along with' (relationship).

Often paired with

get on with + task
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have a good relationshipcontinue doing