Phrasal verbs are a crucial part of the English language, adding nuance and depth to everyday communication. Among the most versatile and frequently used is the verb “get,” which combines with various prepositions and adverbs to create a wide array of meanings.
Phrasal verbs can feel confusing at first because their meanings often aren’t obvious just by looking at the words. But don’t worry—that’s exactly what we’re here to learn! In this lesson, I’ll break down some of the most common phrasal verbs with “get,” explain what they mean, show you how they’re used in real-life sentences, and give you tips to avoid common mistakes.
By exploring definitions, structures, examples, and usage rules, you’ll gain the confidence to use “get” phrasal verbs accurately and effectively.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Phrasal Verbs with “Get”
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories of “Get” Phrasal Verbs
- Examples of “Get” Phrasal Verbs
- Usage Rules for “Get” Phrasal Verbs
- Common Mistakes with “Get” Phrasal Verbs
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
Definition of Phrasal Verbs with “Get”
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that creates a new meaning different from the original verb. With “get,” this combination results in a diverse range of expressions that are fundamental to English communication.
These verbs often replace single-word verbs, adding informality and specificity to your language. Understanding how “get” interacts with different particles is key to mastering their usage.
Phrasal verbs with “get” can be classified based on their function. Some indicate acquisition or receiving something, like “get something back.” Others describe a change in state, such as “get better.” Some denote avoidance, like “get away with,” while others explain relationships, such as “get along.” The context in which these verbs are used is vital. For example, “get over” can mean to recover from an illness or to move on from a relationship, depending on the situation. Therefore, understanding the specific meaning within the sentence is crucial.
Structural Breakdown
The structure of a phrasal verb with “get” typically follows this pattern: Get + Particle (preposition or adverb). The particle significantly alters the meaning of “get.” For instance, “get up” means to rise from a lying or sitting position, while “get through” can mean to finish something or to successfully communicate with someone. The particle is the key to understanding and using these verbs correctly.
Some “get” phrasal verbs are separable, meaning that a noun object can be placed between “get” and the particle. For example, you can say “get the book back” or “get back the book.” However, if the object is a pronoun, it must be placed between the verb and the particle: “get it back.” Other “get” phrasal verbs are inseparable, meaning the object must follow the particle. For example, you must say “get over the illness,” not “get the illness over.” Recognizing which phrasal verbs are separable or inseparable is important for correct sentence construction.
Types and Categories of “Get” Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs with “get” can be categorized based on their primary meaning. Understanding these categories helps in recognizing patterns and remembering the meanings more effectively.
Phrasal Verbs Indicating Acquisition
These phrasal verbs describe obtaining or receiving something, whether tangible or intangible.
- Get back: To recover something that was lost or taken.
- Get hold of: To obtain or find something; to contact someone.
- Get your hands on: To obtain something, often with some effort or difficulty.
Phrasal Verbs Indicating Change or Transition
These phrasal verbs describe a transformation or change in state.
- Get better: To improve in health or condition.
- Get worse: To decline in health or condition.
- Get started: To begin doing something.
- Get dressed: To put on clothes.
- Get changed: To change clothes.
- Get dark: For daylight to diminish.
- Get ready: To prepare oneself.
Phrasal Verbs Indicating Avoidance or Escape
These phrasal verbs describe avoiding something or escaping from a situation.
- Get away: To escape from a place or situation.
- Get away with: To avoid being punished for something.
- Get out of: To avoid doing something that you don’t want to do.
Phrasal Verbs Indicating Relationships
These phrasal verbs describe the nature of relationships and how people interact with each other.
- Get along (with): To have a good relationship with someone.
- Get together: To meet or gather with others.
- Get through to: To successfully communicate with someone.
- Get back at: To retaliate or seek revenge.
Phrasal Verbs Indicating Communication
These phrasal verbs describe the act of communication, whether it’s understanding, explaining, or conveying information.
- Get across: To successfully communicate an idea or message.
- Get through: To successfully make contact with someone by phone.
- Get around to: To finally manage to do something.
Phrasal Verbs Indicating Movement
These phrasal verbs describe physical movement or relocation.
- Get in: To enter a car or other vehicle.
- Get out: To exit a car or other vehicle.
- Get on: To board a bus, train, or plane.
- Get off: To disembark from a bus, train, or plane.
- Get around: To travel to different places.
Examples of “Get” Phrasal Verbs
Here are several tables with examples of “get” phrasal verbs, categorized by their meaning. Each table provides context and illustrates how these verbs are used in sentences.
Phrasal Verbs Indicating Acquisition
This table provides examples of phrasal verbs with “get” that describe obtaining or receiving something. Understanding these verbs will help you express how you acquire different items or information.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Get back | To recover something that was lost or taken. | I was so happy to get back my stolen wallet. |
| Get hold of | To obtain or find something; to contact someone. | I need to get hold of the manager to discuss this issue. |
| Get your hands on | To obtain something, often with some effort or difficulty. | He finally managed to get his hands on a rare first edition of the book. |
| Get a hold of | To obtain something; to gain control of something. | Can you get a hold of the documents I need for the meeting? |
| Get something back | To have something returned to you. | She managed to get her money back after complaining to the company. |
| Get wind of | To hear a rumor or piece of information. | The media got wind of the scandal before it was officially announced. |
| Get a piece of the action | To participate in something profitable or exciting. | Everyone wanted to get a piece of the action when the company went public. |
| Get a break | To have a chance to succeed. | After years of hard work, he finally got a break in the music industry. |
| Get a grip | To control one’s emotions. | You need to get a grip and stop panicking about the situation. |
| Get the picture | To understand a situation. | Once he explained the details, I got the picture. |
| Get the message | To understand what someone is implying. | She didn’t say it directly, but I got the message that she wasn’t happy. |
| Get your fill | To have enough of something. | Make sure you get your fill of fresh air while we’re in the countryside. |
| Get the hang of | To learn how to do something. | It took me a while, but I finally got the hang of the new software. |
| Get something off your chest | To talk about something that has been bothering you. | I needed to get it off my chest, so I told her how I felt. |
| Get a word in edgewise | To be able to speak because someone else is talking too much. | He talks so much that it’s hard to get a word in edgewise. |
| Get the ball rolling | To start something. | Let’s get the ball rolling on this project by assigning tasks. |
| Get your act together | To organize yourself and start behaving properly. | He needs to get his act together if he wants to keep his job. |
| Get a life | To start doing more interesting things. | You should get a life and stop worrying about what everyone else is doing. |
| Get a clue | To understand something obvious. | He needs to get a clue about how to behave in public. |
| Get real | To be realistic. | You need to get real and face the facts. |
| Get with the program | To conform to what everyone else is doing. | If you want to succeed here, you need to get with the program. |
| Get on board | To support or agree with something. | We hope everyone will get on board with the new plan. |
| Get in the game | To become involved in something. | It’s time for you to get in the game and start contributing. |
Phrasal Verbs Indicating Change or Transition
This table illustrates phrasal verbs with “get” that describe a change in condition or a transition from one state to another. These are useful for discussing personal development and changes in circumstances.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Get better | To improve in health or condition. | I hope you get better soon. |
| Get worse | To decline in health or condition. | His condition started to get worse after the surgery. |
| Get started | To begin doing something. | Let’s get started on the project right away. |
| Get dressed | To put on clothes. | I need to get dressed before we go out. |
| Get changed | To change clothes. | I’ll get changed into something more comfortable. |
| Get dark | For daylight to diminish. | It’s starting to get dark outside. |
| Get ready | To prepare oneself. | We need to get ready for the guests arriving. |
| Get used to | To become accustomed to something | It took me a while to get used to living in a big city. |
| Get going | To start moving or leave | We should get going if we want to arrive on time. |
| Get cracking | To start doing something quickly | If we want to finish this project on time, we need to get cracking. |
| Get involved | To take part in something | I want to get involved in more community activities. |
| Get serious | To start taking things seriously | It’s time for you to get serious about your studies. |
| Get the sack | To be fired from a job | He got the sack for being late too many times. |
| Get canned | To be fired from a job (informal) | She got canned after the argument with her boss. |
| Get hitched | To get married (informal) | They decided to get hitched in a small ceremony. |
| Get soaked | To become completely wet | We got soaked in the rain on our walk. |
| Get rolling | To start moving or progressing | Once we have the funding, we can get rolling on the new project. |
| Get underway | To begin or start | The conference will get underway tomorrow morning. |
| Get set | To prepare to start | Get set, ready, go! |
| Get to know | To become familiar with someone or something | I’m looking forward to getting to know my new colleagues. |
| Get acquainted | To become familiar with someone or something (formal) | Let’s get acquainted with the new software before the training session. |
| Get a move on | To hurry up | We need to get a move on if we want to catch the train. |
| Get cracking | To start working hard | We need to get cracking if we want to finish this project on time. |
Phrasal Verbs Indicating Avoidance or Escape
This table provides examples of phrasal verbs with “get” that describe avoiding something undesirable or escaping from a difficult situation. These are helpful for discussing how to manage challenges and stay out of trouble.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Get away | To escape from a place or situation. | We need to get away from the city for a while. |
| Get away with | To avoid being punished for something. | He can’t get away with cheating on the exam. |
| Get out of | To avoid doing something that you don’t want to do. | I’m trying to get out of going to that meeting. |
| Get around | To avoid a problem or rule. | They found a way to get around the regulations. |
| Get by | To manage to survive or cope with difficulty. | We can get by on a limited budget if we’re careful. |
| Get off scot-free | To escape punishment altogether. | He thought he could get off scot-free, but the police caught him. |
| Get clear of | To move away from something dangerous. | We need to get clear of the building before it collapses. |
| Get from under | To escape debt or obligation. | He’s trying to get from under the burden of his student loans. |
| Get past | To move beyond a problem or difficulty. | We need to get past this disagreement and move forward. |
| Get around something | To find a way to avoid a problem or rule. | She knows how to get around the system. |
| Get clear of | To move away from something dangerous. | We need to get clear of the fire immediately. |
| Get off the hook | To be released from a responsibility or predicament. | He was hoping to get off the hook, but his boss insisted he stay. |
| Get shed of | To get rid of something unwanted. | I need to get shed of these old clothes. |
| Get shut of | To get rid of something unwanted (British English). | He was glad to get shut of that old car. |
| Get out from under | To escape the burden of something. | I need to get out from under this mountain of debt. |
| Get quit of | To get rid of something unwanted (archaic). | He wanted to get quit of the old furniture. |
| Get round | To persuade someone to do something. | She knows how to get round her father. |
| Get by with | To manage with limited resources. | We can get by with what we have for now. |
| Get through | To survive a difficult period. | We’ll get through this crisis together. |
Phrasal Verbs Indicating Relationships
This table features phrasal verbs with “get” that describe interactions and relationships between people. Understanding these verbs is crucial for discussing social dynamics and personal connections.
| Phrasal Verb | Meaning | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Get along (with) | To have a good relationship with someone. | I get along well with my colleagues. |
| Get together | To meet or gather with others. | Let’s get together for coffee next week. |
| Get through to | To successfully communicate with someone. | I couldn’t get through to her on the phone. |
| Get back at | To retaliate or seek revenge. | He tried to get back at me for the prank. |
| Get in touch | To make contact with someone. | I’ll get in touch with you soon. |
| Get over | To recover from a relationship. | It took her a long time to get over the breakup. |
| Get mixed up with | To become involved with someone or something bad. | He got mixed up with the wrong crowd. |
| Get through to | To make someone understand. | I’m trying to get through to him, but he won’t listen. |
| Get around | To socialize. | He likes to get around and meet new people. |
| Get by with | To manage a relationship. | They manage to get by with their differences. |
| Get off someone’s back | To stop bothering someone. | Can you please get off my back? |
| Get wise to | To become aware of someone’s deception. | She’s getting wise to his lies. |
| Get cozy with | To become friendly with someone. | He’s been getting cozy with the new intern. |
| Get close to | To develop a strong relationship with someone. | They started to get close to each other during the project. |
| Get even with | To take revenge on someone. | He’s planning to get even with them for what they did. |
| Get friendly with | To become friendly with someone. | She tried to get friendly with her new neighbors. |
| Get involved with | To become emotionally attached to someone. | He doesn’t want to get involved with anyone right now. |
| Get next to | To try to become close to someone. | She’s trying to get next to the boss to get a promotion. |
Usage Rules for “Get” Phrasal Verbs
Understanding the grammatical rules that govern “get” phrasal verbs is crucial for accurate usage. These rules relate to transitivity, separability, and formality.
Transitivity and Intransitivity
Some “get” phrasal verbs are transitive, meaning they take a direct object (e.g., “get something back”). Others are intransitive, meaning they do not take a direct object (e.g., “get up”). Knowing whether a phrasal verb is transitive or intransitive affects sentence structure.
For example:
- Transitive: I need to get my keys back. (“keys” is the direct object)
- Intransitive: I get up at 7 AM every day. (no direct object)
Separability
As mentioned earlier, some transitive “get” phrasal verbs are separable. If the object is a noun, it can go either before or after the particle.
However, if the object is a pronoun, it must go between the verb and the particle.
For example:
- Separable (noun): I need to get the book back. / I need to get back the book.
- Separable (pronoun): I need to get it back. (Correct) / I need to get back it. (Incorrect)
Inseparable phrasal verbs always require the object to follow the particle.
For example:
- Inseparable: You need to get over the illness. (Correct) / You need to get the illness over. (Incorrect)
Formal vs. Informal Usage
Phrasal verbs are generally considered more informal than their single-word verb equivalents. In formal writing or speech, it’s often better to use a more formal alternative.
For example:
- Informal: I need to get hold of the documents.
- Formal: I need to obtain the documents.
Common Mistakes with “Get” Phrasal Verbs
Here are some common mistakes learners make when using “get” phrasal verbs, along with corrections.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| I need to get back it. | I need to get it back. | Pronouns must go between the verb and the particle in separable phrasal verbs. |
| She got the illness over. | She got over the illness. | “Get over” is an inseparable phrasal verb. |
| I will get the meeting out of. | I will get out of the meeting. | “Get out of” is an inseparable phrasal verb. |
| He gets good along with everyone. | He gets along well with everyone. | “Get along” requires “well” to indicate a good relationship. |
| I will get in touch you soon. | I will get in touch with you soon. | “Get in touch” requires the preposition “with” before the object. |
| She needs to get her act together quickly. | She needs to get her act together. | Adding “quickly” after the phrasal verb is redundant. |
| He is getting away with the crime. | He is getting away with it. | Using “it” as a pronoun is clearer when the crime is already known. |
| I should get to get up early tomorrow. | I have to get up early tomorrow. | Corrects the awkward double use of “get.” |
| We must get hurry on. | We must get a move on. | The correct idiom is “get a move on.” |
| I get on the train. | I get on the train. / I got on the train. | Include past tense and context. |
Practice Exercises
Test your understanding of “get” phrasal verbs with these exercises.
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the “get” phrasal verb.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I need to ______ my keys ______; I can’t find them anywhere. (back) | get back |
| She’s trying to ______ ______ ______ going to the party because she’s not feeling well. (out of) | get out of |
| Do you ______ ______ ______ your new neighbors? (along) | get along with |
| We should ______ ______ on the project if we want to finish on time. (start) | get started |
| He managed to ______ ______ ______ the exam even though he didn’t study. (away with) | get away with |
| They decided to ______ ______ for dinner to discuss the proposal. (together) | get together |
| It’s starting to ______ ______ outside; we should head home. (dark) | get dark |
| I finally managed to ______ ______ ______ her and explain the situation. (through to) | get through to |
| You need to ______ ______ soon, or you’ll be late for work. (up) | get up |
| I’m trying to ______ ______ ______ him for what he did to me. (back at) | get back at |
Exercise 2: Choose the correct phrasal verb to complete the sentence.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| I need to ______ ______ ______ the manager to discuss this issue. (get hold of / get away with / get along with) | get hold of |
| She finally managed to ______ ______ ______ a rare first edition of the book. (get her hands on / get better / get out of) | get her hands on |
| I hope you ______ ______ soon. (get started / get better / get away) | get better |
| It took me a while to ______ ______ ______ living in a big city. (get used to / get ready / get together) | get used to |
| We should ______ ______ if we want to arrive on time. (get going / get dark / get changed) | get going |
| If we want to finish this project on time, we need to ______ ______. (get cracking / get away / get better) | get cracking |
| I want to ______ ______ in more community activities. (get involved / get better / get away) | get involved |
| It’s time for you to ______ ______ about your studies. (get serious / get ready / get away) | get serious |
| He ______ ______ ______ for being late too many times. (got the sack / got better / got together) | got the sack |
| They decided to ______ ______ in a small ceremony. (get hitched / get ready / get better) | get hitched |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, understanding the nuances of “get” phrasal verbs involves recognizing subtle differences in meaning and usage, as well as exploring less common expressions. This includes mastering the use of these verbs in idiomatic expressions and understanding regional variations.
For example, the phrasal verb “get around” can mean to travel to different places, but it can also mean to avoid a problem or rule. Similarly, “get by” can mean to survive on a limited budget or to manage a relationship with someone despite differences.
Recognizing these multiple meanings requires a deep understanding of context and usage.
Furthermore, some “get” phrasal verbs are more common in certain regions or dialects of English. For instance, “get shut of” is a British English expression that means to get rid of something, while “get shed of” is a less common but similar expression.
Familiarizing yourself with these regional variations can enhance your comprehension and communication skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions about “get” phrasal verbs.
- What is a phrasal verb and why are they important?A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb and one or more particles (prepositions or adverbs) that creates a new meaning different from the original verb. They are important because they are extremely common in spoken and written English, and understanding them is crucial for fluency and comprehension.
- How can I best learn phrasal verbs with “get”?The best way to learn phrasal verbs with “get” is through consistent exposure and practice. Read widely, listen to English conversations, and pay attention to how these verbs are used in context. Create flashcards, use online resources, and practice using them in your own sentences.
- Are all phrasal verbs with “get” separable?No, not all ph
rasal verbs with “get” are separable. Some are inseparable, meaning the object must follow the particle. It’s important to learn which phrasal verbs are separable and which are not. - Is it okay to use phrasal verbs in formal writing?While phrasal verbs are more common in informal contexts, they can be used in formal writing if they are appropriate for the tone and audience. However, in very formal situations, it’s often better to use a more formal single-word verb equivalent.
- How do I know which particle to use with “get”?The best way to know which particle to use with “get” is to study examples and practice using the phrasal verbs in context. Pay attention to the meaning you want to convey and choose the particle that best expresses that meaning.
- Can the meaning of a “get” phrasal verb change depending on the context?Yes, the meaning of a “get” phrasal verb can change depending on the context. For example, “get over” can mean to recover from an illness or to move on from a relationship. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the overall situation to determine the correct meaning.
Conclusion
Mastering phrasal verbs with “get” is a significant step toward achieving fluency in English. By understanding their definitions, structures, and usage rules, you can communicate more effectively and comprehend native English speakers with greater ease.
Remember to practice consistently, pay attention to context, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes – they are a natural part of the learning process. With dedication and persistence, you’ll “get the hang of” these versatile expressions and enhance your overall command of the English language.
Keep exploring, keep practicing, and keep improving!