Cool MateBest get on with it vs Continue
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Best get on with it
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Continue
Top 1,000 (very common)A2verb
Most formal: ContinueMost common: Continue
| Best get on with it | Continue | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bɛst ɡɛt ɒn wɪð ɪt//🇺🇸 //bɛst ɡɛt ɑn wɪθ ɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈtɪnjuː/","/kənˈtɪnjuːz/","/kənˈtɪnjuːd/","/kənˈtɪnjuːɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈtɪnjuː/","/kənˈtɪnjuːz/","/kənˈtɪnjuːd/","/kənˈtɪnjuːɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | It's best to start doing something. | To keep doing something without stopping. |
| Example | Stop hesitating and best get on with it; the deadline is approaching. | Please continue with your presentation after the break. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | best get on with it, get on with the task, get on with your life, get on with the project, best get on pace | continue doing, continue with, continue on, continue to speak, continue until |
| Antonyms | - | stop, cease, halt |
| Common mistakes | Using it in a formal context like a business meeting., Confusing it with 'get on' which has different meanings., Omitting 'it' can change the meaning. | 'Continue' followed by a noun instead of a gerund (e.g., 'continue the project' instead of 'continue doing the project'), Confusing 'continue' with 'resume' — 'resume' implies starting again after a pause, Using 'continue to' followed by an adjective (incorrect) instead of a verb (correct) |
| Usage notes | Use in casual contexts when encouraging someone to stop delaying and start working. Avoid in formal communication. | Use 'continue' when talking about ongoing actions or processes. It's neutral, so it's appropriate in most contexts, but can sound too formal in casual conversations. Avoid using in contexts where you're suggesting to start something new. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Best get on with it vs Continue
What's the difference between Best get on with it and Continue?
Best get on with it: It's best to start doing something. Continue: To keep doing something without stopping.
Which is more formal: Best get on with it and Continue?
Continue is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Best get on with it and Continue?
Continue is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Best get on with it: Stop hesitating and best get on with it; the deadline is approaching. Continue: Please continue with your presentation after the break.
Can I use Best get on with it and Continue interchangeably?
Not always. Best get on with it and Continue are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.