# get on to

CEFR B2 · Phrasal verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/get-on-to
Updated: 2026-04-24

## Definition

to contact someone to ask for help or to discuss a specific problem.

For teachers: to initiate contact with a person or organization, typically for the purpose of making a request, complaint, or inquiry.

## Examples

- I'll get on to the plumber about the leak.
- If the bank doesn't refund the money by tomorrow, I'll have to get on to their manager.
- The legal department promised to get on to the local authorities regarding the zoning permits before the end of the fiscal quarter.

## Pitfalls

- Not "I will get on to the report now." but "I will get on with the report now." — 'get on to' implies contacting a person, whereas 'get on with' means starting or continuing a task.

## Usage notes

- usually followed by a person or an organization as the object.
- Teaching tip: contrast with 'get on with' (to continue or have a relationship) to avoid confusion; this phrase is particularly common in British English for administrative or service-related tasks.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.