Why do you get on a bus and a train but get into a car?
The use of “get on” or “get into” when referring to different modes of transportation is primarily a matter of convention, and it is influenced by the nature of the transportation and how people typically interact with it. Here’s why these phrases are used the way they are:
- Get on a Bus or Train:
- Buses and trains are generally considered to be more like public transportation services or shared spaces. People usually step onto these vehicles as they are boarding, and the terminology reflects this.
- “Get on” is used for buses and trains because you’re stepping onto a platform or station to enter the vehicle.
- Get into a Car:
- A car is a private, enclosed space. When you’re entering a car, you’re physically going inside an enclosed cabin or space, making “get into” a more fitting choice of words.
- The usage of “get into” for cars emphasizes that you are moving from the outside into an interior space.
In summary, the choice of whether to “get on” or “get into” a mode of transportation reflects the specific dynamics of that transportation method. It’s a matter of linguistic convention, which is based on practical and traditional usage.
Thank you for reading my writings. If you’d like to, you can buy me a coffee for just £1 and I will think of you while writing my next post! Just hit the link below…. (thanks in advance)
The Sage Page 