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Meaning trap

get on with

have a good relationship

To have a friendly or comfortable relationship with someone.

phrasal verbB1common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

have a good relationship

To have a friendly or comfortable relationship with someone.

get on with (continue doing)

Another meaning of 'get on with' is 'continue doing'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I really get on with my new flatmate; we have a lot in common.relationships
  • In my opinion, it's important to get on with your colleagues because it makes the workplace more enjoyable.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: get on with + person

WrongI get on my sister really well.

RightI get on with my sister really well.

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

Patternget on with + person

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff I have an amicable rapport with my coworkers.

Natural I get on with my coworkers.

'Get on with' (British English) is how people describe an easy relationship; 'amicable rapport' is HR-speak.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • get on with + person
    my colleagueseveryonethe neighboursher well

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'get along with' in American English, but the meaning is similar.

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