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get on with — 2 meanings

One phrase, 2 meanings. Learn them one at a time, then test yourself.

phrasal verb2 meanings
get on with
have a good relationshipcontinue doing

Meaning 1 · most common

have a good relationship

  • get on with person
Two friends cook together in a shared kitchen, laughing, one passing the other a spoon to taste.

To have a friendly or comfortable relationship with someone.

How oftenCommon
LevelB1
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

I really get on with my new flatmate; we have a lot in common.

A: Do you get on with your boss?
B: Yeah, she's actually really easy to talk to.

Common mistake

Not: I get on my sister really well.

Say: I get on with my sister really well.

Don't drop 'with'. (American English usually says 'get along with'.)

More on “have a good relationship”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

In my opinion, it's important to get on with your colleagues because it makes the workplace more enjoyable.

Tell it apart

I get on with my flatmate.

  • good relationship — BrE

Get on with your work!

  • continue / hurry up with a task

Goes with

  • get on with + person
Practice saying this
Next meaning: continue doing

Meaning 2

continue doing

  • get on with sth

To continue doing something, especially after being interrupted.

How oftenCommon
LevelB2
Used inMostly spoken

Examples

After the phone call, she got on with her homework.

A: Are you coming to lunch?
B: I can't, I need to get on with this report.

Common mistake

Not: Stop chatting and get on the work.

Say: Stop chatting and get on with the work.

'Get on WITH' a task = continue it. Don't drop 'with'.

More on “continue doing”Another example · Tell it apart · Goes with · Tip

Another example

If I get distracted while studying, I try to quickly get on with my work so I don't waste time.

Tell it apart

Let's just get on with the work.

  • continue / crack on with the task

I get on with my colleagues.

  • have a good relationship

Goes with

  • get on with + task
Practice saying this
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have a good relationshipcontinue doing