1 B1 neutral
To contact someone, usually to deal with a problem or ask for something.
"I'll get on to the electrician first thing tomorrow morning about the wiring problem."
inseparable
get on to
B1 neutral inseparable transitive
To contact someone or to begin dealing with a new subject or task.
In plain English
To call or message someone about something, or to start talking about a new topic.
What does "get on to" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To begin discussing or dealing with a new topic or task.
"After the break, we'll get on to the second item on the agenda."
inseparable
3 B2 idiomatic informal
To realise or discover what someone is doing, often something secret or wrong.
"The supervisor got on to the fact that several employees were leaving early."
inseparable
Usage tip
Very common in British English. In the 'contact' sense, often used in business or official contexts ('I'll get on to the supplier today'). In the 'topic' sense, used when transitioning in conversation or meetings.
Words that pair with "get on to"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
supplier council topic matter police issue question
How to conjugate "get on to"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
get on to
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gets on to
he/she/it
Past simple
got on to
yesterday
Past participle
got/gotten on to
have + pp
-ing form
getting on to
continuous
Hear "get on to" in the wild
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Other ways to say "get on to"
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