get on

To enter a bus, train, or plane, or climb onto a bike or animal to ride it.

• Get on the bus here.
• She got on her bike and left.
• Have all the passengers got on?

How to use it: get on something (We got on the train at the next station.)

Similar words: board, mount

Opposites: get off

Common phrases: get on something, get on board, get on buses

To continue a task or start doing it without further delay.

• Get on with your homework.
• We got on with painting the fence.
• Can we get on with the meeting?

How to use it: get on with something (We need to get on with the repairs.); get on with doing something (Let us get on with cleaning the kitchen.)

Similar words: continue, carry on, proceed

Opposites: stop

Common phrases: get on with something, get on with work, get on with life

To manage a situation or make progress in your work or life.

• How are you getting on?
• She got on well in her new job.
• He is getting on better at school.

How to use it: get on with something (How are you getting on with your new job?)

Similar words: manage, do, progress

Common phrases: get on well, get on badly, get on professionally

If time passes like this, it is becoming late and you may need to hurry.

• Time is getting on.
• It was getting on, so we left.
• The evening is getting on; we should eat.

Similar words: grow late

Common phrases: get on now, get on towards midnight

To become old, especially when age starts to affect what someone can do.

• My grandfather is getting on.
• Our cat is getting on in years.
• They were getting on and needed more help.

How to use it: get on in years (Our dog is getting on in years.)

Similar words: age, grow old

Common phrases: get on in years, get on a bit

To be close to a particular amount, age, or time.

• It is getting on for midnight.
• The repairs came to getting on for a thousand pounds.
• She must be getting on for eighty.

How to use it: get on for an amount/time (The bill is getting on for two hundred pounds.)

Similar words: approach, near

Common phrases: get on for something, get on for midnight

Used to show that you are surprised or do not believe what someone has said.

• “Get on!” she said. “You cannot be serious.”
• “Get on! You never met the king!”
• “Oh, get on!” he laughed. “That cannot be true.”

Similar words: come on, no way

Common phrases: oh get on, get on now