Explaining Phrasal Verbs with "Get" (with Discussion Questions)
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 with it is quite wide.
Phrasal verbs with “get”
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.
Simple explanation: to recover
Drinking tea and getting lots of rest helped me get over my cold quickly.
I broke up with my girlfriend a few months ago, but I haven't gotten over it yet.
It is also used in the imperative 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 in some way as a response to their attack.
Simple explanation: to get revenge, to return an 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.
Simple explanation: to wake up, to get out of bed
It's time to get up. Hurry or you'll be late for school.
Get through (something)
This refers to overcoming a difficult or stressful situation.
Simple explanation: to survive, to endure
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.
Simple explanation: to communicate an idea
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
This phrasal verb refers to successfully getting someone to accept an idea or way of thinking. However, it is often used when the other person is very stubborn and not willing to listen to others.
Simple explanation: to convince (with difficulty)
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.
Simple explanation: to have a good relationship, to be friendly
He doesn't get along well with the rest of his family.
I'm thankful that my neighbors and I really get along.
Get at
This is used when ideas aren't said directly. Instead, listeners must make a guess about what someone means.
Simple explanation: to suggest or imply
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.
As a noun, it refers to a quick trip for fun and relaxation.
The resort area just outside the city is perfect for weekend getaways.
Get away with something
"Getting away with something" refers to doing something bad or against the rules but not being punished for it.
Simple explanation: to avoid punishment
He tried to get away with using AI to write his report, but the teacher noticed easily.
He didn't get away with his crimes even though it took years for the police to catch him.
Get by
Someone "gets by" when they manage to succeed or survive even though they don't have the necessary amount of money, skill, etc. for a particular task. However, this phrasal verb includes the nuance of difficulty.
Simple explanation: to barely succeed or survive
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 refers to moving into a better position professionally.
Simple explanation: to advance in a career
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
Simple explanation: to contact someone later
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
Simple explanation: to arrive
Our flight gets in at 5:30 pm tomorrow.
Get out of
There are two variations of this phrasal verb, each with its own meaning.
The first, "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, "get something out of something," means to gain a benefit from a situation.
I only spent a year at the company, but I got useful experience and good connections out of it.
Get around to
This refers to addressing something directly, usually after some time avoiding it or focusing on other topics.
Simple explanation: to mention or deal with directly
After weeks of delays, we finally got around to discussing our plans for the holiday party.
Get together
Simple explanation: to meet
If you have time, let's get together for lunch tomorrow.
Remember to point out that this can also be used as a noun.
I'm having a get-together this weekend at my place. Do you wanna come?
Discussion questions
- What time do you usually get up each day?
- How often do you get together with your friends?
- Do you get along with your coworkers/classmates?
- Other than your native language, do you speak any others well enough to get by?
- Have you ever felt guilty for getting away with something bad that you did?
- What skills do you think are most important for getting ahead in business?
- Is it usually easy for you to get your ideas across to others?
Wrap-up
From casual meetings with friends all the way to promises of revenge, phrasal verbs with “get” cover a lot of different scenarios! While introducing these can be a great topic for a free-talk lesson, be sure to give your student plenty of opportunities to try forming their own sentences with them.
If you haven't yet, check out our similar articles on "make" and "look." Learning these will definitely boost your students’ ability to express themselves in a variety of situations.
