Phrasal verb
get on
Definition
phrasal verb. To step onto a large vehicle like a bus, train, or plane.
phrasal verb. To board or mount a form of public transport or a large vehicle (e.g., a bus, train, plane, or boat).
Examples
“Let's get on the bus before it leaves.”
“The doors are closing, so you need to get on the train right now.”
“As the last few passengers got on the ferry, the crew prepared to raise the ramp and depart from the terminal.”
Examples
simple
“Let's get on the bus before it leaves.”
contextual
“The doors are closing, so you need to get on the train right now.”
complex
“As the last few passengers got on the ferry, the crew prepared to raise the ramp and depart from the terminal.”
Usage
This is used for large vehicles you can stand up inside, like buses, trains, and planes.
Teaching tip
Contrast with 'get in', which is used for smaller, private vehicles like cars and taxis that you cannot stand up in.
Pitfall
I get in the bus.
I get on the bus.
Use 'get on' for large public transport like buses and trains, and 'get in' for smaller vehicles like cars.
Phrasal verb
Particles
on
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
get + on + object