Understanding the Phrasal Verb "Get on": Meanings and Usage in English
Learning English phrasal verbs can be a challenge, but understanding common ones like Get on is crucial for fluency. This versatile phrasal verb appears frequently in everyday conversation, and mastering Get on will significantly improve your comprehension and speaking skills. This article will explore the different meanings of Get on, its grammatical structures, common synonyms, and provide practice exercises to solidify your understanding. By the end, you'll be able to use Get on confidently in various contexts and boost your practical English abilities.
Table of Contents
What Does Get on Mean?
The phrasal verb Get on is a multi-meaning expression used widely in English, making it an important piece of vocabulary for ESL learners. Its meaning can shift significantly depending on the context, ranging from the physical act of boarding transportation to describing interpersonal relationships or how someone is progressing with a task. Grasping these nuances is key to using Get on correctly and understanding native speakers more effectively.
Structure with Get on
Understanding the grammatical structure associated with each meaning of Get on is vital for correct usage. This phrasal verb can be followed by different prepositions or adverbs, or used intransitively, which alters its meaning. Below, we explore the most common meanings of Get on along with their typical sentence structures and examples. This will help you build a strong foundation for using Get on in your own sentences.
Meaning 1: To board or enter a vehicle (bus, train, plane, bike, horse)
One of the most frequent uses of Get on is to signify the action of boarding or mounting a form of transport. This typically applies to public transportation like buses, trains, and airplanes, but also to vehicles or animals you sit on top of, such as bicycles, motorcycles, or horses. It’s an essential phrasal verb for everyday situations involving travel.
It's important to note the distinction: we get on vehicles we can stand or walk on (bus, train, plane, boat) or sit astride (bike, horse, motorbike). For smaller, enclosed vehicles like cars or taxis, English speakers usually use "get in."
- Structure: Subject + get on + (the/a/an/possessive pronoun) + [vehicle/object]
- Example 1: "We must get on the 9 AM ferry to reach the island by noon." (Here, get on means to board the ferry.)
- Example 2: "The children were excited to get on their ponies for the first time." (This illustrates using Get on for an animal you ride.)
Meaning 2: To make progress or manage; to fare
Get on is also commonly used to ask about or describe how someone is progressing or managing with a particular task, situation, or in life generally. It can indicate success, difficulty, or simply the current state of affairs. This usage is very common in both formal and informal English.
When used in this sense, Get on can often be followed by an adverb (e.g., well, badly, fine) or a prepositional phrase starting with "with" to specify the area of progress.
Structure 1: Subject + get on + (adverb)
- Example 1: "How are you getting on since you moved to the new city?" (This asks about general well-being and adaptation.)
- Example 2: "She’s getting on very well in her new role at the company." (This indicates positive progress.)
Structure 2: Subject + get on + with + [task/work/studies]
- Example 1: "He's getting on brilliantly with his final year project." (Focuses on progress in a specific endeavor.)
- Example 2: "How are they getting on with renovating the house?" (Inquires about the advancement of a specific activity.)
Meaning 3: To have a good/friendly relationship with someone
This meaning of Get on refers to the quality of a relationship between two or more people. If you get on with someone, it means you like them and have a friendly rapport. It's often accompanied by an adverb like "well" or "badly," or used in a negative form to indicate a poor relationship. This is a key phrasal verb for discussing social interactions and an important part of your English vocabulary for everyday conversations.
- Structure: Subject + get on + (adverb like well/badly) + with + [someone]
- Example 1: "I’m lucky that I get on really well with all my colleagues." (Indicates a positive, harmonious relationship.)
- Example 2: "Unfortunately, the two managers don't get on, which sometimes creates tension." (Highlights a lack of a friendly relationship.)
Meaning 4: To continue doing something, especially after an interruption
Similar to making progress, Get on with something can specifically mean to continue or proceed with an activity, often after a pause or distraction. It carries a sense of resuming or focusing on the task at hand. This is a very practical phrasal verb encouraging action or a return to work.
- Structure: Subject + get on + with + [activity/work/task]
- Example 1: "The meeting was interrupted by a fire drill, but afterwards, everyone tried to get on with the agenda." (Means to continue with the planned discussion.)
- Example 2: "Stop procrastinating and get on with your homework!" (Urges someone to start or continue their studies.)
Meaning 5: To become older; to advance in age
Get on (often as "be getting on" or "getting on a bit") can also mean to advance in age, or to become old or older. This usage is somewhat informal and often used euphemistically. It describes the natural process of aging.
- Structure: Subject + be + getting on (+ a bit)
- Example 1: "My grandmother is getting on now, so she prefers quieter evenings at home." (Indicates she is becoming older.)
- Example 2: "He’s getting on a bit, but he still enjoys a long walk every day." (Acknowledges advancing age while noting continued activity.)
Understanding these different structures and meanings will greatly enhance your ability to use Get on accurately and effectively. Pay attention to the context, as it's the primary clue to which meaning of Get on is intended.
Related Phrases and Synonyms
While Get on is incredibly versatile, knowing synonyms and related phrases can enrich your vocabulary and help you understand nuances in meaning. Here are some alternatives for the different senses of Get on, which can be useful for ESL learners looking to expand their expressive range.
| Synonym | Meaning Related to "Get on" | Explanation | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Board | Get on a vehicle | To go onto a ship, aircraft, bus, or train. More formal than "get on". | "All passengers must board the plane 15 minutes before departure." |
| Progress | Get on (in terms of making progress) | To move forward or develop towards a better or more advanced state. | "The team is making excellent progress on the new software." |
| Manage | Get on (in terms of coping or faring) | To succeed in doing or dealing with something, especially something difficult. | "How do you manage to stay so calm under pressure?" |
| Harmonize (with) | Get on (well) with someone | To be in agreement or concord; to go well together; to have a good rapport. | "Her cheerful personality seems to harmonize with everyone in the office." |
| Continue (with) | Get on with something (to proceed or resume) | To persist in an activity or process, often after an interruption. | "After a short break, please continue with your work." |
Using these synonyms can add variety to your speech and writing, and understanding them will also improve your comprehension of different English registers.
Practice Time!
Now that you've learned about the various meanings and structures of Get on, it's time to test your understanding! These multiple-choice questions will help you check how well you've grasped the concepts. Choose the best answer for each question.
Question 1: Which sentence correctly uses "get on" to mean boarding a vehicle? a) How are you getting on with your new online course?
b) I must get on the 8:15 AM bus to be on time for work.
c) My sister and her husband get on very well.
d) My father is getting on a bit, so he uses a walking stick.
Correct answer: b
Question 2: The question "How is Sarah getting on in her new job?" is asking about Sarah's... a) Method of transport to her job.
b) Age compared to her colleagues.
c) Progress, performance, or adaptation in her new role.
d) Relationship with her boss.
Correct answer: c
Question 3: "Despite their different personalities, the two friends always seemed to get on." In this sentence, "get on" means: a) To continue with a task.
b) To board a mode of transport.
c) To manage or cope with a situation.
d) To have a friendly relationship.
Correct answer: d
Question 4: If a teacher tells students, "Please get on with your reading quietly," what does she want them to do? a) Read about older people.
b) Start or continue reading their books without delay.
c) Climb onto their desks to read.
d) Discuss how well they are reading.
Correct answer: b
How did you do? Reviewing these questions and the meanings of Get on will help reinforce your learning. Consistent practice is key to mastering English phrasal verbs.
Conclusion
Learning the phrasal verb Get on and its various applications is a significant step in enhancing your English communication and overall English fluency. Understanding its different meanings—from boarding transport and managing tasks to building relationships and continuing activities—and practicing its structure will empower you to use it accurately and naturally. Don't be afraid to use Get on in your conversations. Keep practicing, listen for it in everyday English, and soon you'll find Get on becoming a valuable and versatile part of your active vocabulary!