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Meaning trap

get on

make progress

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

phrasal verbB2common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

make progress

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

get on (board transport)

Another meaning of 'get on' is 'board transport'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • I need to get on with my assignment if I want to finish it tonight.study
  • In my opinion, it's important to get on with your studies even when you feel tired, because consistency leads to success.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: get on (with) + [task/activity]

WrongGet on your work!

RightGet on with your work!

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

Patternget on (with) + [task/activity]

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff How are you progressing with your dissertation?

Natural How are you getting on with your dissertation?

'How are you getting on?' is the natural way to ask about progress; 'how are you progressing with' is stiffer.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • get on (with)
    with itwith your workwellslowly

Don't confuse it

Not the same as 'get along' (have a good relationship).

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