Introduction
Phrasal verbs with “get” are some of the most common and useful expressions in everyday English. Native speakers use them constantly, from getting along with colleagues to getting over a cold. Learning these combinations will instantly make your English sound more natural and fluent. In this post, we will explore the most important phrasal verbs with “get,” their meanings, and how to use them correctly in conversations.
What Are Phrasal Verbs with Get?
A phrasal verb is a combination of a verb (in this case, “get”) and one or two particles (prepositions or adverbs like up, over, through, along). Together, they create a new meaning that is often different from the original verb. For example, “get” means “receive” or “become,” but get over means “recover from.” These verbs are essential for B1–B2 learners because they appear in almost every informal and formal context.
Rules for Using Phrasal Verbs with Get
- Separable vs. Inseparable: Some phrasal verbs can be separated by an object (e.g., “get the message across”), while others must stay together (e.g., “get over something”). Always check if the verb is separable or inseparable.
- Object Placement: With separable verbs, if the object is a noun, you can put it between the verb and particle or after the particle. With a pronoun, it must go between (e.g., “get it across,” not “get across it”).
- Context Matters: The same phrasal verb can have multiple meanings depending on context. For instance, “get through” can mean “survive a difficult time” or “finish a task.”
- Formality: Most phrasal verbs with “get” are neutral or informal. Avoid them in very formal academic writing, but use them freely in speech and emails.
How to Use Phrasal Verbs with Get
Follow these steps to master them:
- Learn by Topic: Group phrasal verbs by meaning (e.g., relationships: get along, get on; health: get over, get through).
- Memorize with Examples: For each verb, create a personal sentence. For example, “I need to get over my fear of public speaking.”
- Practice Separability: Write sentences with both noun and pronoun objects. Example: “She got her idea across” and “She got it across.”
- Listen and Repeat: Watch TV shows or podcasts and note how native speakers use “get” phrasal verbs. Repeat the sentences aloud.
Examples in Sentences
Here are 10+ common phrasal verbs with “get” in sentences. The phrasal verb is bolded.
- I got up at 7 a.m. to catch the train.
- She got along with her new coworkers immediately.
- He needs to get over his breakup.
- We got through the entire project in one day.
- Can you get across your main point more clearly?
- They got around the problem by using a different method.
- I got back from vacation yesterday.
- She got into trouble for being late.
- He got out of doing the dishes by pretending to be sick.
- We got together for coffee last weekend.
- The news got to him after a few hours.
- I can’t get by on such a small salary.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these errors when using phrasal verbs with “get”:
- Mistake 1: ❌ “I need to get over it quickly.” (Correct, but pronoun placed incorrectly in other cases)
✅ “I need to get over it.” (Correct for inseparable verb) - Mistake 2: ❌ “She got along with him well.” (Correct, but often confused with “get on”)
✅ “She got along with him well.” (Both “get along” and “get on” are correct in British English) - Mistake 3: ❌ “He got through the exam.” (Incomplete—needs context)
✅ “He got through the exam successfully.” (Add adverb for clarity) - Mistake 4: ❌ “I got up early and got out the door.” (Confusing two verbs)
✅ “I got up early and got out of the door.” (Use full phrasal verb “get out of”) - Mistake 5: ❌ “She got into her car and got away.” (Ambiguous)
✅ “She got into her car and drove away.” (Better to use a different verb for clarity)
Quick Summary
- Get along/on = have a good relationship
- Get over = recover from something
- Get through = complete or survive
- Get across = communicate an idea
- Get around = avoid or solve a problem
- Get back = return
- Get into = become involved in (often trouble)
- Get out of = avoid a responsibility
- Get together = meet socially
- Get by = manage with limited resources
- Get to = affect emotionally or arrive at
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb from the list: get over, get along, get through, get across, get by.
- After the flu, it took her a week to ________ it.
- My sister and I ________ very well; we never argue.
- I need to ________ this report by 5 p.m.
- He tried to ________ his point, but nobody understood.
- With rising prices, it’s hard to ________ on a student budget.
Answers:
- get over
- get along
- get through
- get across
- get by
Conclusion
Phrasal verbs with “get” are powerful tools for sounding natural in English. By learning their meanings, practicing with sentences, and avoiding common mistakes, you can use them confidently in daily conversations. Start with the most common ones like get over and get along, and gradually add more to your vocabulary. Keep practicing, and soon these verbs will feel automatic!
FAQ
1. What is the difference between “get over” and “get through”?
“Get over” means to recover from something, such as an illness or emotional pain (e.g., “I got over my cold”). “Get through” means to survive a difficult situation or complete a task (e.g., “I got through the long meeting”). They are not interchangeable.
2. Can I use “get” phrasal verbs in formal writing?
Generally, avoid phrasal verbs with “get” in formal academic or business writing. Use single-word synonyms instead. For example, replace “get over” with “recover from” and “get along” with “have a good relationship.” In emails to colleagues, they are fine.
3. Why does “get” have so many phrasal verb meanings?
“Get” is one of the most versatile verbs in English because it is used in many idiomatic expressions. Its basic meaning (to obtain or become) combines easily with different particles to create new, specific meanings. This is common in Germanic languages like English.
4. How can I remember which phrasal verb is separable or inseparable?
Memorize by testing with a pronoun. If you can say “get it across,” the verb is separable. If you must say “get over it” (not “get it over”), it is inseparable. Create a list of separable ones: get across, get through (with tasks), get together. Inseparable: get over, get along, get by.