1 B2 idiomatic informal
To repeatedly scold, nag, or put pressure on someone to do something or to change their behaviour.
"Mum keeps getting on at me to tidy my room, but I just don't have the time."
inseparable
get on at
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To repeatedly criticise, pressure, or nag someone about something.
In plain English
To keep telling someone off or bothering them about something they should do or stop doing.
What does "get on at" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic informal
To persistently criticise or find fault with someone.
"The manager is always getting on at the junior staff about minor formatting errors."
inseparable
Usage tip
Primarily British and Irish English. Often used in domestic or workplace contexts. Usually implies the nagging is excessive or annoying to the person on the receiving end.
Words that pair with "get on at"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
constantly always keep homework chores money behaviour
How to conjugate "get on at"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
get on at
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets on at
he/she/it
Past simple
got on at
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten on at
have + pp
-ing form
getting on at
continuous
Hear "get on at" in the wild
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Other ways to say "get on at"
Swap in when you want variety — tap a linked one to explore it.
badger go on at hassle hound nag pester
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