Get on a train vs get on the train

Both "get on a train" and "get on the train" are correct, but they are used in different contexts. "Get on a train" is used when talking about the action of boarding any train, while "get on the train" is used when referring to a specific train that has been previously mentioned or is known to both the speaker and the listener.

Last updated: March 24, 2024 • 4220 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to the action of boarding any train.

"Get on a train"

This phrase is used when talking about the general action of boarding a train without specifying a particular train.

Examples:

I need to get on a train to go to the city.
She always gets on a train to visit her family.
Getting on a train is the fastest way to travel long distances.
He got on a train without knowing where it was headed.
We should get on a train before it gets too crowded.

Show examples from the web [+]

He had to get on a train to go to Jackson.
'You need to get on a train to London.'
I'm to put it in a bag and get on a train for Hamburg tonight at 7:15.
You can just get on a train or a plane and never be heard of again.
I am going to get on a train and leave here.
You know if I get on a train within the hour, I could be in Washington by midnight.
I want you to get on a train and go south to Birmingham.
I want you to get on a train and meet me in the city.
Desmond, listen, when it happens again, Desmond, I need you to get on a train.
I mean, can you not just get on a train?
Danny, one day soon, you'll be able to get on a train right here in Colby, travel all the way to San Francisco eating New York oysters packed in ice.
Why would anybody want to get on a train and go someplace else when everything they need is sitting right there in front of them?
If I can get on a train.
Can we get on a train?
He can get on a train.
Get on a train and go to Oxford.
That looks quite big to get on a train.
We're supposed to get on a train to berlin...
You just buy a ticket and get on a train.
We get on a train with him going to Istanbul.

Alternatives:

board a train
hop on a train
take a train
catch a train
ride a train

This phrase is correct and commonly used when referring to a specific train that has been previously mentioned or is known to both the speaker and the listener.

"get on the train"

This phrase is used when talking about boarding a particular train that has been specified or is familiar to the conversation.

Examples:

Let's get on the train that leaves at 3 p.m.
She got on the train that goes directly to the airport.
He got on the train we were waiting for.
We need to get on the train before it departs.
I always get on the train that stops at my station.

Show examples from the web [+]

I said get on the train.
But I gather our Jessie saw the victim get on the train.
Just before you went off, he sends for Poole tells him to get on the train.
He still can't get on the train on that express line during the bail period.
I thought you saw her get on the train with him.
I like to get on the train...
How did Mrs. Delaney get on the train?
Because he, too, wanted to get off that water and get on the train.
Obviously because we're not even two minutes away from the station, just get on the train and just go, for a weekend.
Now did anybody actually see the wife get on the train?
He can't get on the train, all right?
Can't you wait till we get on the train?
Your bones are made of granite, your punches are harder than the kick of a mule, you've got a one-way ticket to the big time and it's time to get on the train.
Is this the right way for my brother to get on the train for the West?
I can't get on the train without you being there and now I can't even babysit without you being just outside the window?
Tomorrow I get on the train e... enough.
Jenny didn't get on the train.
We take our prisoner and we all get on the train.
Those who are accompanying passengers can't get on the train.
A vicar friend of mine will meet you there and make sure you get on the train to Sheffield.

Alternatives:

board the train
hop on the train
take the train
catch the train
ride the train

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Get on a train vs get on the train

"Get on a train"

"get on the train"

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