get on

Short definition: The phrase get on means to board a vehicle such as a bus or train, or to have a friendly relationship with someone, depending on context, often implying progress, movement, or positive interaction.

Looking for a clear and natural explanation of the phrasal verb get on? This is a very common phrase in everyday English and it can mean several different things depending on context. Sometimes it refers to boarding a bus or train, sometimes it means having a good relationship with someone, and other times it’s about making progress with work or tasks. Because it’s used so often, understanding the context is important. Below are detailed meanings with realistic examples so you can clearly understand how get on works in daily English.

Forms: get on, gets on, got on, gotten on (US) / got on (UK), getting on
Related: board v., progress v., relationship n., continue v.
Syllable: get-on

1. (Verb) To board or enter a form of transportation.

   To get on most commonly means to enter or board a bus, train, plane, or other form of transport. It focuses on the action of stepping onto the vehicle in order to travel somewhere. This meaning is extremely common in daily conversation.

   We need to hurry or we’ll miss the chance to get on the train.
   She got on the bus just before the doors closed.
   He forgot his ticket after he had already gotten on the plane.

   Synonyms: board, enter, climb aboard, step onto, hop on, mount, embark on, ride, get aboard, access vehicle, step inside transport, take
   Antonyms: get off, exit, disembark, leave vehicle, step off, climb down, depart transport, come off, alight, step out, deboard, dismount

2. (Verb) To have a good relationship with someone.

   Get on can also describe how well people relate to each other. When two people get on well, it means they communicate comfortably, understand each other, and generally enjoy each other’s company.

   I really get on with my coworkers because we share similar interests.
   Do you get on with your new roommate?
   They didn’t get on at first, but over time they became close friends.

   Synonyms: get along, relate well, connect, click, bond, be compatible, be friendly, work well together, cooperate smoothly, be on good terms, have rapport, harmonize
   Antonyms: argue, clash, disagree constantly, fight, conflict, dislike each other, fall out, quarrel, have tension, compete negatively, oppose, resent

3. (Verb) To make progress with a task or activity.

   In many situations, get on means to continue working on something or to make progress. It often appears in questions about productivity or how well something is going.

   How are you getting on with your new project?
   She needs to get on with her homework before it gets too late.
   Let’s stop talking and get on with the work.

   Synonyms: continue, proceed, make progress, carry on, move forward, advance, keep going, work on, focus on, push ahead, proceed with, progress steadily
   Antonyms: delay, postpone, stall, procrastinate, stop, pause, abandon task, hold back, interrupt, quit midway, slow down, neglect work

4. (Verb) To become older.

   In British English especially, get on can describe someone becoming older. It’s often used in a gentle or indirect way when talking about age.

   She’s getting on a bit now, so she prefers quieter evenings.
   My grandparents are getting on in years but still very active.
   He’s getting on and thinking about retirement.

   Synonyms: age, grow older, advance in years, mature in age, approach old age, be elderly, increase in age, progress in years, move into later life, become senior, enter older years, age gradually
   Antonyms: stay young, remain youthful, be youthful, stay youthful, maintain youth, be young, decrease in age, reverse aging, remain in youth, stay immature physically, stay at same age, grow younger