Understanding the Phrasal Verb: How to Use "Get On With" Correctly

Learning English phrasal verbs can be a challenge, but it's essential for sounding natural and understanding everyday conversations. One common yet multifaceted phrasal verb you'll frequently encounter is "get on with". Understanding how to use "get on with" will significantly improve your fluency and comprehension of these important verb phrases. This versatile phrasal verb has several key meanings, from continuing an activity after an interruption to describing how well you interact with someone, or even managing a task. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the different meanings of "get on with", its grammatical structures, common synonyms, and give you a chance to practice. By the end, you'll learn how to confidently integrate "get on with" into various contexts.

Table of Contents

• What Does "Get On With" Mean?
• Structure with "Get On With"
• Related Phrases and Synonyms
• Practice Time!
• Conclusion

What Does "Get On With" Mean?

The phrasal verb "get on with" is a highly versatile expression in the English language, a real workhorse that appears in many different situations. At its core, it often conveys the idea of continuing or progressing with something, particularly after an interruption, a period of hesitation, or a delay. Imagine you've been chatting with a colleague, and then you both realize you have work to do; you might say, "Well, I'd better get on with my tasks." Beyond just continuing, it can also describe the nature of one's relationship with another person – whether it's harmonious or strained. For example, if you find it easy to talk and work with someone, you "get on with" them well. Grasping these fundamental nuances is absolutely key to using the phrasal verb "get on with" accurately and effectively in your daily English conversations and writing. Understanding "get on with" is a great step towards mastering English phrasal verbs.

More: Mastering 'Get on': Meanings and Usage in English

Structure with "Get On With"

Understanding the grammatical structure of "get on with" is crucial for its correct application. As an inseparable phrasal verb (meaning "get" and "on" usually stay together when "with" is part of the phrase), its form is relatively consistent, but the object it takes can vary. This phrasal verb can be used in several ways, depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. Let's break down its common meanings and their typical sentence structures.

Meaning 1: To continue doing something, especially work or a task.

This is perhaps the most frequently encountered meaning of "get on with". It strongly implies resuming an activity, or starting an activity that needs to be done, often with a sense of purpose or after a distraction has passed. It's the verbal equivalent of rolling up your sleeves and focusing. You'll often hear it in professional settings, academic environments, or when discussing personal chores and responsibilities. It can be used with a noun phrase (like "your work") or a gerund (-ing form of a verb).

• Structure: Subject + get on with + noun (e.g., 'it', 'work', 'the job', 'life') / gerund (verb-ing form)
  • Example 1: "The coffee break is over; let's get on with the meeting." (Here, "the meeting" is the noun object)
  • Example 2: "I really must get on with tidying the house this weekend." (Here, "tidying" is the gerund)

A common and emphatic variation is "get on with it". This is often used as a mild command or an expression of impatience, urging someone (or oneself) to start or continue without further delay. * Example: "We've discussed it enough. It's time to get on with it and make a decision."

Meaning 2: To have a friendly or harmonious relationship with someone.

When used in this context, "get on with" describes the quality of social interaction between people. It indicates whether individuals are compatible, enjoy each other's company, and interact without conflict. If you "get on with" someone, you like them and your interactions are generally positive. Conversely, if you don't "get on with" someone, there's likely some friction or a lack of rapport. This meaning is always followed by the person or people with whom the relationship exists.

• Structure: Subject + (auxiliary verb like 'do'/'does' for questions/negatives) + get on with + someone
  • Example 1: "It's important to get on with your team members for a productive work environment."
  • Example 2: "Luckily, my new flatmate and I get on with each other really well."

You might also hear "get along with" used interchangeably in this context, especially in American English, though "get on with" is very common in British English.

Meaning 3: To manage, handle, or deal with a situation or task, often one that is difficult, unpleasant, or simply needs to be addressed.

This usage implies coping with circumstances or proceeding with a task, particularly when it might be challenging or unwelcome. It suggests a degree of acceptance or resilience – you accept the situation and continue to function or work despite it. It’s about progressing with life or a specific duty even if things aren't ideal.

• Structure: Subject + get on with + noun (referring to a situation, task, or life in general)
  • Example 1: "After the initial shock of the redundancy, she had to get on with finding a new job."
  • Example 2: "There's no point complaining; we just have to get on with the task at hand and do our best."

This meaning often overlaps with "continuing," but it carries an added sense of accepting and dealing with the present reality, especially if it's not entirely positive. For learners of English phrasal verbs, distinguishing these subtle shades of meaning for "get on with" comes with practice and exposure.

More: Understanding the Phrasal Verb 'Get off': Meanings and Usage

Related Phrases and Synonyms

While "get on with" is an incredibly useful and common phrasal verb, enriching your vocabulary with synonyms can make your English sound more sophisticated and allow you to express finer shades of meaning. Knowing alternatives helps avoid repetition and can also aid in understanding texts where different, but related, vocabulary is used. Here are some words and phrases that can sometimes be used instead of "get on with", depending on the specific context of its main meanings.

These synonyms are valuable tools in your linguistic arsenal. However, it's important to remember that phrasal verbs like "get on with" often carry specific idiomatic connotations that a single-word verb might not fully capture. For instance, "get on with" (meaning to continue) often implies a sense of purposefulness or overcoming a slight reluctance or interruption, a nuance not always present in "continue."

More: Understanding 'Get Into': Mastering This English Phrasal Verb

Practice Time!

Now, let's put your knowledge of "get on with" to the test! Choose the best option for each sentence. This will help solidify your understanding of how to use this versatile phrasal verb.

Question 1: "Stop procrastinating and _________ your assignments!" Which phrase best completes the sentence? a) get on to

b) get on with

c) get over with

d) get by with

Correct answer: b

Question 2: Mark and his boss don't _________ very well. They have very different working styles. a) get through with

b) get on with

c) get around to

d) get up with

Correct answer: b

Question 3: "Despite the initial setbacks, the team decided to _________ the project." What is the most appropriate phrasal verb implying they would continue despite difficulties? a) get out of

b) get on with

c) get away from

d) get down to

Correct answer: b

Question 4: What does "I need to get on with my life" most closely mean? a) I need to have a party.

b) I need to continue living and progressing, especially after a difficult period.

c) I need to find new friends.

d) I need to start a new hobby.

Correct answer: b

Question 5: In the sentence, "The children were noisy, but the speaker tried to get on with his presentation," what does "get on with" mean? a) To have a good relationship with the presentation.

b) To finish the presentation quickly.

c) To continue delivering the presentation despite the noise.

d) To improve the presentation.

Correct answer: c

Conclusion

Mastering phrasal verbs like "get on with" is a genuinely rewarding part of your journey in learning English. As we've explored, this seemingly simple phrase packs a punch with its diverse meanings – from the straightforward act of continuing a task, to describing the complex dynamics of human relationships, and even managing challenging life situations. Understanding the distinct structures and common contexts for "get on with" will undoubtedly boost your conversational fluency and comprehension. The key now is consistent practice. Try to incorporate "get on with" into your speaking and writing. The more you use it, the more natural it will become, making these vital English phrasal verbs a comfortable and effective part of your everyday vocabulary. Keep up the great work!