Cool MateBest get on with it vs Start
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Best get on with it
InformalTop 3,000 (common)
Start
Top 1,000 (very common)A1verb
Most formal: StartMost common: Start
| Best get on with it | Start | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bɛst ɡɛt ɒn wɪð ɪt//🇺🇸 //bɛst ɡɛt ɑn wɪθ ɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/stɑːt/","/stɑːts/","/ˈstɑːtɪd/","/ˈstɑːtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/stɑːrt/","/stɑːrts/","/ˈstɑːrtɪd/","/ˈstɑːrtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | It's best to start doing something. | To begin something |
| Example | Stop hesitating and best get on with it; the deadline is approaching. | Please start the engine before we leave. |
| Register | Informal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | - | A1 |
| 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 | 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, 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. | 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 '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 Start
What's the difference between Best get on with it and Start?
Best get on with it: It's best to start doing something. Start: To begin something
Which is more formal: Best get on with it and Start?
Start is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Best get on with it and Start?
Start 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. Start: Please start the engine before we leave.
Can I use Best get on with it and Start interchangeably?
Not always. Best get on with it 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.