get an idea of vs get an idea on

Both 'get an idea of' and 'get an idea on' are commonly used phrases in English, but 'get an idea of' is more widely accepted and preferred. 'Get an idea on' is less common and may sound awkward to some native speakers.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 2225 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"get an idea of"

This phrase is used to indicate understanding or perception of a concept, situation, or topic.

Examples:

I need to get an idea of how the project is progressing.
Can you help me get an idea of what the new software does?
It's important to get an idea of the customer's needs before designing the product.
Let's get an idea of what the competition is offering.
I want to get an idea of how the market is responding to our new product.

Show examples from the web [+]

With that information, we might get an idea of the Ikarrans.
To get an idea of how tiny it is, I have here an eyedropper.
If I could come in, perhaps we could get an idea of the colours you prefer.
I need to ring an estate agent and get an idea of a fair price.
I figure if I find out what they want stolen, I might get an idea of who they are.
I think I'm beginning to get an idea of why you're having so much trouble getting this business off the ground.
Just tell me where you live, your area and everything, so I can get an idea of your surroundings.
I am totally dissatisfied with the response because it was not out of idle curiosity that I wanted to know which Member States had caused difficulties but in order to get an idea of the extent of the failure to indicate the areas of biodiversity.
And to get an idea of what it consisted of, and to put it in context in relationship to this whole second myth about it being no big thing, we can look at this second slide here.
I was trying anything to get an idea of the mystery man, so I analyzed the strontium isotope composition of his teeth.
We'd like to get an idea of the damage.
We're talking to everyone who knew Miss Jenkins, trying to get an idea of her movements over the last week or so.
To get an idea of what is needed we should finally implement our own decision of the year 2000 and send an ad hoc delegation to Chechnya.
You see, anyone can kick a football around and get an idea of what it would be like to be David Beckham.
Well, often they'll wait a few days before the arraignment so that the suspect can get an idea of what prison would be like.
You can have a look in your father's to get an idea of what to put in.
We just wanted to get an idea of what was involved.
Take your pants off. It's important I get an idea of your size.
I'd like to show it real quick to Marvin, just to get an idea of what he thinks.
You need to multiply those EUR 146 million by approximately eight in order to get an idea of what the impact could be.

Alternatives:

gain an understanding of
grasp the concept of
comprehend the situation
get a sense of
familiarize oneself with

This phrase is less common and may sound awkward to some native speakers.

"get an idea on"

This phrase is used to indicate understanding or perception of a concept, situation, or topic, but it is less preferred than 'get an idea of'.

Examples:

Let's get an idea on how the project is progressing.
Can you help me get an idea on what the new software does?
It's important to get an idea on the customer's needs before designing the product.
Let's get an idea on what the competition is offering.
I want to get an idea on how the market is responding to our new product.

Show examples from the web [+]

Let's get an idea on the vote.
Look! Judy, Mickey, you can't just get an idea and put on a show in the barn.
Every time you get an idea, something happens to me.
With that information, we might get an idea of the Ikarrans.
But one day he gets an idea.
People were starting to get an idea that dinosaurs were special.
Once my mom gets an idea in her head, there's no stopping her.
I wonder where she'd get an idea like that.
There's no stopping him when he gets an idea, Til.
Get an idea of what life was like in the service.
Just trying to get an idea Of where that energy burst came from.
I was trying anything to get an idea of the mystery man, so I analyzed the strontium isotope composition of his teeth.
Hercules notices that these repulsive stables lie between two powerful rivers, and he gets an idea.
He hits me in the mouth a couple times, and he gets an idea.
She gets an idea in her head and then that's it.
To get an idea of how tiny it is, I have here an eyedropper.
We'd like to get an idea of the damage.
I'm not sure I'm beginning to get an idea.
Yes, when my son gets an idea in his head, it's hard to shake him of it.
We need to get an idea, fast, of how much this thing bleeds.

Alternatives:

get an idea of
gain an understanding of
grasp the concept of
comprehend the situation
get a sense of

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

get an idea of vs get an idea on

"get an idea of"

"get an idea on"

Related Comparisons

2. Submit Your Text

3. Receive Your Polished Text