Cool MateBest get on with it vs Continue vs Proceed vs Start
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
Proceed
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Start
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
| Best get on with it | Continue | Proceed | Start | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bɛst ɡɛt ɒn wɪð ɪt//🇺🇸 //bɛst ɡɛt ɑn wɪθ ɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈtɪnjuː/","/kənˈtɪnjuːz/","/kənˈtɪnjuːd/","/kənˈtɪnjuːɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈtɪnjuː/","/kənˈtɪnjuːz/","/kənˈtɪnjuːd/","/kənˈtɪnjuːɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //prəˈsiːd//🇺🇸 //prəˈsid// | 🇬🇧 /["/stɑːt/","/stɑːts/","/ˈstɑːtɪd/","/ˈstɑːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/stɑːrt/","/stɑːrts/","/ˈstɑːrtɪd/","/ˈstɑːrtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | It's best to start doing something. | To keep doing something without stopping. | To go forward or continue doing something. | To begin something |
| Example | Stop hesitating and best get on with it; the deadline is approaching. | Please continue with your presentation after the break. | Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project. | Please start the engine before we leave. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A2 | B2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | 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 | proceed with caution, proceed to the next step, proceed according to plan | suddenly, immediately, just, decide to, expect to, hope to, as, by, from, get (somebody/something) started, a good, great, etc. place to start, let’s start, suddenly, immediately, just, decide to, expect to, hope to, as, by, from, get (somebody/something) started, a good, great, etc. place to start, let’s start |
| Antonyms | - | stop, cease, halt | stop, halt, cease | stop, finish, end |
| 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) | Confused with 'proceeding' (the noun form)., Incorrectly using 'to' when 'with' is needed., Using it in passive voice (e.g., 'be proceeded' is incorrect). | Confused with 'begin' — both mean similar things but are used in slightly different contexts., Used as a noun incorrectly — 'start' is mainly a verb., Misplaced in phrasal verbs — it should not be confused with 'start up' in business contexts. |
| 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. | Used in both formal and informal contexts. Common in instructions, legal documents, and project management. | Use 'start' for beginning actions or events. It's appropriate in both speaking and writing, but in formal contexts, you might use 'initiate' instead. |
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Frequently asked questions: Best get on with it vs Continue vs Proceed vs Start
What's the difference between Best get on with it, Continue, Proceed, and Start?
Best get on with it: It's best to start doing something. Continue: To keep doing something without stopping. Proceed: To go forward or continue doing something. Start: To begin something
Which is more advanced: Best get on with it, Continue, Proceed, and Start?
Proceed is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
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. Proceed: Once the approval is granted, we can proceed with the project. Start: Please start the engine before we leave.
Can I use Best get on with it, Continue, Proceed, and Start interchangeably?
Not always. Best get on with it, Continue, Proceed, and Start 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.