17 Phrasal Verbs with "Get"
We're back with another dive into the world of phrasal verbs. Once again, verbs combined with simple prepositions open up new meanings and uses for simple words students should already know.
This time, we're focusing on "get," and just like the other verbs we've covered, the range of ideas that can be expressed is quite wide. Let's begin.
Get over
This is used to express feeling better after physical or emotional difficulties. Make sure to point out that these difficulties can refer to relationships, light sickness and stressful situations.
- I broke up with my girlfriend a few months ago, but I haven't gotten over it yet.
- Jane hasn't gotten over the fact that her colleague got a promotion instead of her.
It is also used in the imperative form to tell someone to stop feeling bad about a situation.
A
I can't believe they chose John to lead the project instead of me.
B
That was months ago. Get over it!
Get back at (someone)
"Getting back" at someone is attacking them as a response to their attack.
- She thought of ways to get back at Sarah for embarrassing her in front of the class.
Get up
This refers to waking from sleep and starting a day.
- It's time to get up. Hurry or you'll be late.
Get through (something)
"Getting through" something is overcoming a difficult or stressful situation.
- My friend helped me get through the pain of losing my pet.
- It was really hard getting through the hot summer without an air conditioner.
Get across
If something "gets across," it has been communicated in an understandable way.
- Her excellent presentation helped her get her plan across to the investors easily.
- He has great ideas, but he's not always good at getting them across to his teammates.
Get through to someone
Unlike the previous phrasal verb, this includes a nuance of difficulty in communication. Specifically, it refers to successfully getting someone to accept an idea or way of thinking.
This phrasal verb is often used when someone is very stubborn and not willing to listen to others.
- After an hour of arguing, I was finally able to get through to him.
- You won't be able to get through to her; she refuses to accept anyone else's opinions.
Get along
When people "get along," they have a friendly and positive relationship with each other.
- He doesn't get along well with the rest of his family.
- My new neighbors and I really get along. We have a lot in common.
Get at
"Get at" is used when ideas aren't said directly. Instead, listeners must make a guess about what someone means.
- What are you getting at?
- Even though she didn't say it directly, we knew what she was getting at.
Get away
"Getting away" can refer to literally escaping a situation or to figuratively taking a break (from work, for example).
- The thief managed to get away by hiding in the crowd.
- I'd like to get away for a few days, but I have too much work to do.
Get away with something
Someone who "gets away with something" has done something bad or against the rules but was not punished for it.
- He tried to get away with using AI to write his paper, but the teacher noticed easily.
- He thought he got away with his crimes, but the police eventually caught him.
Get by
Someone "gets by" when they succeed or survive even though they don't have the necessary money, skill, etc. for a particular task. However, this phrasal verb includes the nuance of difficulty.
- Even though I can't speak French well, I was able to get by in Paris during my vacation.
- After years of making only enough money to get by, his new job helped him to live a more comfortable lifestyle.
Get ahead
This phrasal verb refers to moving into a better position professionally.
- Compared to men, women in many countries still have difficulty getting ahead in their careers.
- The dirty businessman would do anything to get ahead in the company.
Get back to someone
"Getting back to" someone is contacting them at a later time. Even though it is common in business, it has a slightly informal tone.
- I'm a bit busy now. Can I get back to you this afternoon?
- Let me check my schedule and get back to you.
Get in
Travelers "get in" when they arrive at their destination.
- Our flight gets in at 5:30 pm tomorrow.
Get out of
This phrasal verb can be used in two different ways.
The first way, "get out of something," means "to avoid responsibility."
- I can go to the party if I can get out of babysitting my little brother.
The second way, "get something out of something," refers to gaining a benefit from a situation.
- I only spent a year at the company, but I got a lot of useful experience out of it.
Get around to
This refers to dealing with something directly, usually after time avoiding it or focusing on other topics.
- After weeks of delays, we finally got around to discussing our plans for the holiday party.
Get together
This simply means "to meet."
- If you have time, let's get together for lunch tomorrow.
It can also be used as a noun if you add a hyphen.
- I'm having a get-together this weekend at my place. Do you wanna come?
Wrap-up
From casual meetings with friends to avoiding punishment, phrasal verbs with “get” allow you to talk about a lot of different scenarios. Trying to memorize them all at once will be pretty difficult; instead, look for opportunities to use them yourself in your daily conversations, either with your friends, with an AI chatbot or with a tutor!
