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Meaning trap

get on with

continue doing

To continue doing something, especially after being interrupted.

phrasal verbB2common

Don't mix these meanings

Same phrase, different job.

continue doing

To continue doing something, especially after being interrupted.

get on with (have a good relationship)

Another meaning of 'get on with' is 'have a good relationship'; compare the examples to keep the meanings separate.

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Hear it in context

Notice where the phrase sounds natural.

  • After the phone call, she got on with her homework.study
  • If I get distracted while studying, I try to quickly get on with my work so I don't waste time.IELTS speaking

Fix the pattern

Pattern: get on with + noun/gerund

WrongStop chatting and get on the work.

RightStop chatting and get on with the work.

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

Patternget on with + noun/gerund

Use it right

Choose the version that sounds natural in speech.

Stiff Kindly resume your duties without further delay.

Natural Right, let's get on with it.

'Get on with it' is the natural spoken way to say 'carry on / stop wasting time'; the formal version sounds like a reprimand.

Build natural chunks

Words that usually travel with it.

  • get on with + task
    with itwith your workwith the jobwith life

Don't confuse it

Different from 'get on' (enter a vehicle) or 'get along with' (relationship).

Try it in Daily Speak →