How do I explain to a student the following

[Michaelpp]

I get into a car. I get into a truck. I get into a taxi.
However I get on a bus. I get on an areoplane and I get on a train.
I am having difficulties with this explanation.

[esltutor]

The short answer is "it's English!"

I just explain that there are certain expressions that take certain prepositions, and that it makes no logical sense. There are just some things that need to be memorized.

Most (if not all) large transportation vehicles (e.g., trains, buses, planes and ships) take the preposition "on."

I also use a unit from Murphy's "Grammar in Use-Intermediate" that shows these preposition-transportation vehicle combinations.

Best,
Debra
http://www.teaching-esl-to-adults.com

[David L.]

Notice two things: Is the vehicle private or public transport?; and how big is the public vehicle?

Before trains and planes, we went 'on board' a ship; and getting 'on' is now also used for large public transport vehicles.

But note that a jet pilot, even when he has a co-pilot, does not get 'on' his plane but 'in', because of the small size of the plane and actually physically being 'inside' the small craft. Similarly, we get 'in' a cab even though it is public transportation: we are enclosed in a confined space.

We get 'on' a horse because we 'sit on' the horse, as we also sit 'on' a tractor. When the machinery is large and has a protective cabin, then we get 'in', as we are enclosed within a confined space.

We have had this post before; and I know other posters have some good points to make about this, when they come online.

[blingual]

Yes English can be very confusing at times, seems every rule we make we then take the pleasure to break.

You might want to try this approach. To get on a bus or a plane you must go up steps. With a car, truck or taxi you basically just sit down.

[ali abu hassan]

(get on) is widely used when get on public transportation, this public transportation should have (aboard) you can walk on,such as a bus,a train,or a plane.

(get in) is usually used when you just enter and sit on the seat.