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get on

A2 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To climb onto a bus or train, to be friends with someone, or to do well at something.

Literal meaning: To move onto a surface or object — transparent in the vehicle sense, idiomatic in the relationship/progress senses.

Meanings

1 A2 neutral

To board or mount a vehicle, animal, or surface.

"Hurry up — we need to get on the train before the doors close."

Grammar: inseparable
2 A2 idiomatic neutral

To have a friendly or harmonious relationship with someone.

"I really get on with my new colleagues — the atmosphere in the office is great."

Grammar: inseparable
3 B1 idiomatic neutral

To make progress or manage in a situation.

"'How are you getting on with your thesis?' 'Slowly, but I'm making progress.'"

Grammar: inseparable
4 B2 idiomatic informal

To be getting old (used with 'in years' or alone).

"He's getting on a bit — he'll be seventy next birthday."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

One of the most common and versatile phrasal verbs in English. The 'relationship' sense is predominantly British and Irish; American speakers more often say 'get along'. The vehicle sense is standard worldwide. 'How are you getting on?' is a common British English inquiry.

Commonly used with

well bus train plane horse bike each other fine

Forms

Base
get on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets on
he/she/it
Past simple
got on
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten on
have + pp
-ing form
getting on
continuous

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Synonyms

board mount progress get along fare advance

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